Food can satisfy hunger, change a person's mood, promote communication between people, and even influence a person's mindset. Research from Leiden University in the Netherlands suggests that the tryptophan found in eggs can make people more generous. Therefore, when you need to give a public speech or ask someone for money, you might want to eat an egg.
Eating eggs makes people more generous
Researchers recruited 32 volunteers and randomly divided them into two groups, giving each person £7.5 (about 70 RMB). One group of participants took a supplement containing 0.8 grams of tryptophan (equivalent to the total amount in 3 eggs); the other group took a harmless placebo powder. Afterwards, researchers placed donation boxes for four charities on the table and asked the participants if they were willing to donate a portion of the money. The statistical results showed that the volunteers who took tryptophan donated an average of 75 pence (about 7 RMB), twice as much as the other group.
The researchers explained that tryptophan is commonly found in foods like eggs and milk. In the human body, it is converted into serotonin, a chemical that brings pleasure, thereby changing a person's behavior.
The researchers stated that these findings support the concept of "you are what you eat," meaning that food can influence a person's mindset. They believe that food can act as a cognitive enhancer, regulating how people handle social interactions. For example, eating eggs could help promote charitable attitudes and behaviors in humans.
Besides eggs, there are other foods on our dining tables that can change a person's mindset and mood.
5 foods that make people happier when eaten regularly
1. Whole wheat bread. Carbohydrates can increase the secretion of serotonin. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have stated that there is a scientific basis for treating pasta and pastries as antidepressants.
2. Deep-sea fish. Studies have found that people who live by the sea around the world are generally happier. This is not only because the sea refreshes the mind, but also because people living by the sea often eat deep-sea fish. Harvard University researchers point out that the OMEGA-3 fatty acids in sea fish have similar effects to common antidepressants like lithium carbonate, as they can block nerve conduction pathways and increase serotonin secretion.
3. Bananas. Bananas contain a substance called an alkaloid that can boost spirits and confidence. Bananas are also a source of tryptophan and vitamin B6, which help the brain produce serotonin.
4. Cherries. Cherries are called "natural aspirin" by Western doctors. Cherries contain a substance called anthocyanin that can create happiness. Scientists at the University of Michigan in the U.S. believe that eating 20 cherries when in a bad mood is more effective than taking any medication.
5. Garlic. Although garlic can cause bad breath, it brings a good mood. A German study on garlic found that patients with depression felt less tired and anxious, and were less prone to anger after consuming garlic products.