Facing the pressures of work and life, do you ever feel down or depressed? So, how can you send these annoying "packing"? In fact, just by eating the right foods, you can cheer up!
9 Foods That Make You Happy
Nutrients That Regulate Mood
Tryptophan: Must be obtained from food. After being absorbed by the body, tryptophan can be synthesized into the neurotransmitter serotonin. It acts like a "messenger" in the body, effectively playing a regulatory role to calm and improve your mood.
Tyrosine: Also a substance needed to maintain brain function. Tyrosine is converted into adrenaline in the body, which can boost a positive mindset.
Vitamin B6: Helps maintain normal levels of neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. When a certain amount of Vitamin B6 accumulates in the body, it can produce an "antidepressant" effect, helping to alleviate depressive moods.
Vitamin E: Helps brain cells get the maximum amount of oxygen from the blood, making brain cells more active.
Folic Acid: Can increase serotonin levels in the brain, effectively fighting against depressive moods.
Foods That Make You Happy
Bananas: Bananas contain a substance called an alkaloid that can boost spirits and confidence. Plus, bananas are a source of tryptophan and Vitamin B6, which help the brain produce serotonin.
Spinach: Researchers have found that a deficiency in folic acid can lead to decreased serotonin in the brain, causing depressive moods. Spinach is the most famous food rich in folic acid.
Whole Wheat Bread: Carbohydrates can help increase serotonin. Researchers at MIT say, "It's very scientific for some people to regard foods like pasta and pastries as edible antidepressants."
Garlic: Although garlic can cause bad breath, it brings good moods. A German study on garlic found that patients with anxiety who took garlic supplements felt less tired and anxious, and were also less prone to anger.
Low-Fat Milk: A study by the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York found that after women with premenstrual syndrome took 1000 mg of calcium supplements for three months, three-quarters of them felt happier and less tense, irritable, or anxious. In daily life, the best sources of calcium are milk, yogurt, and cheese. Fortunately, low-fat or skim milk contains the most calcium.
Chicken: British psychologists gave participants 100 micrograms of selenium, and they generally reported feeling better. Chicken is one of the rich sources of selenium.
Cherries: Cherries are called "natural aspirin" by Western doctors. This is because cherries contain a substance called anthocyanin, which can create happiness. Scientists at the University of Michigan in the U.S. believe that eating 20 cherries when you're in a bad mood is more effective than taking any medication.
Grapefruit: The high amount of Vitamin C in grapefruit not only maintains the concentration of red blood cells and keeps the body resistant, but Vitamin C is also great for stress relief. Most importantly, Vitamin C is an essential component in the production of dopamine and adrenaline.
Whole Wheat Bread: Carbohydrates can help increase serotonin. Researchers at MIT say, "It's very scientific for some people to regard foods like pasta and pastries as edible antidepressants."
Pumpkin: The reason pumpkins are associated with a good mood is that they are rich in Vitamin B6 and iron. Both of these nutrients help the body's stored blood sugar convert into glucose, which is the brain's only fuel.
Remember These Small Habits
To improve your mood, always pay attention to your eating habits.
1. Choose light and appetizing foods, and try new flavors and various cuisines to boost a positive mindset. You can also supplement with fruits like lemons, bayberries, and hawthorns to stimulate your appetite, which is beneficial for the absorption of nutrients like protein, carotene, Vitamin C, zinc, and iron.
2. Do not overindulge in chocolate and coffee. Excessive intake of chocolate and caffeine can make people feel down and worsen depression. On the contrary, some nutrients have a mood-stabilizing effect, such as calcium and magnesium. Adults should supplement with 1500 mg of calcium and 1000 mg of magnesium daily. Additionally, bananas can also have a calming effect.
3. Quit smoking and drink less alcohol. Although cigarettes and alcohol can provide temporary relief from depressive moods, the negative feelings will return after a while. Also, stay away from high-calorie foods like carbonated drinks and fried foods.