Research conducted by scientists over the past two decades has shown that certain specific foods can produce certain chemicals in the brain, thereby influencing a person's mood and improving their emotional state.
People who enjoy spicy food are often not just attracted by its taste, but also by the temporary sense of pleasure it brings. This is because when capsaicin in chili peppers stimulates the nerve endings in the mouth, creating a burning sensation, the brain releases endorphins, a substance that can make people feel happy.
Drinking a cup of coffee in the morning does have a refreshing effect. The caffeine in coffee can cause a temporary, slight increase in blood pressure and block the transmission of chemicals that cause drowsiness. However, drinking more than 3 cups of coffee a day can instead make a person irritable and prone to anger. Drinking a cup of coffee right before bedtime can also lead to insomnia and difficulty falling asleep.
Chocolate is a food favored by many women, especially those troubled by premenstrual syndrome or negative moods. This is because, like other carbohydrate-rich sweets, chocolate has a calming effect.
Oranges and grapes contain vitamin C. People with a mild deficiency in vitamin C can eat two oranges or 350 grams of grapes daily to supplement 150 milligrams of vitamin C, which can improve negative emotions such as tension, irritability, and depression. If consumed in larger quantities, the effect will be even better.
Bananas are rich in magnesium. Magnesium deficiency is closely related to emotional tension. Therefore, busy people can eat more bananas to alleviate stress.
Beef contains cholesterol. Many people completely avoid beef to lower their cholesterol levels. This often leads to iron deficiency, causing fatigue and depression. By eating 100 grams of beef daily, one can absorb 50% more iron than a strict vegetarian, thus avoiding feelings of fatigue and depression.
Winter mushrooms are rich in B vitamins, vitamin D, and enzymes. In addition to resisting certain cancers and other diseases, they can also lower blood cholesterol levels, regulate blood pressure, and alleviate emotional tension and mental stress.
Milk and dairy products such as yogurt and cheese are rich in calcium. Calcium has a mood-stabilizing effect. Eating more of these foods when feeling down can help prevent irritability and outbursts of anger.
Since food can influence a person's mood, it is both necessary and highly beneficial to choose different foods based on one's emotional state.