In a famous play by the master of drama, Oscar Wilde, the protagonist says, "When I am in trouble, eating is my only comfort." To put it bluntly, besides being the fundamental necessity for life, food also wonderfully relieves our worries, gives us sensory pleasure, and provides psychological comfort. Scientists have also observed that human emotions are closely related to diet; some foods can make people happy and calm, while others can cause sadness, worry, anxiety, anger, and even fear and agitation. Eating for Happiness
Norepinephrine is the brain's main "happiness" chemical; it can boost mood, make people energetic, and full of optimism. A large amount of dopamine can also change mood and "retrieve" memories. Serotonin is the brain's main "satisfaction" chemical; if its level is insufficient, people will constantly complain and feel down. Endorphins are the body's natural morphine, which produce feelings of happiness and satisfaction. Now, what you need to know is, in daily life, which foods will bring you happiness? 1. Deep-Sea Fish:
People who live by the sea around the world are generally happier, not just because the sea is refreshing, but also because they fish as a staple food. A Harvard University research report points out that the Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil have a similar effect to common antidepressants like lithium carbonate, causing our bodies to secrete more serotonin, which brings happy emotions. 2. Bananas:
Don't envy why gorillas are always so silly and cute. The pale yellow banana is not only delicious but also contains a substance called an alkaloid. Alkaloids can boost spirits and increase confidence, and bananas are a super source of tryptophan and vitamin B6, which can help our brains produce serotonin. 3. Grapefruit:
The good-tasting, juicy grapefruit has a light bitterness and a unique aroma, making it novel to eat and smell, and can refresh the spirit. Most importantly, the high amount of vitamin C in grapefruit not only enhances the body's resistance but is also an important component for our bodies to produce pleasure-inducing factors like dopamine and norepinephrine. 4. Whole Wheat Bread:
Why do so many women like to eat bread and pastries? It turns out they become anti-depressant foods because they contain a large amount of carbohydrates. However, eating snacks can easily lead to excessive calorie intake, so eating complex carbohydrates like whole wheat bread has a slower effect but is more in line with health principles. 5. Spinach:
Popeye becomes super strong after eating spinach, but in fact, eating spinach can also greatly improve your mood. Researchers have found that a lack of folic acid leads to a decrease of serotonin in the brain. So what are foods rich in folic acid? Almost all green vegetables and fruits contain folic acid, but spinach has the most! 6. Cherries:
Bright, juicy cherries are not only delicious but also as effective as aspirin. Scientists at the University of Michigan in the U.S. believe that eating 20 cherries is more effective than taking aspirin. 7. Pumpkin:
Pumpkins are related to a good mood because they are rich in vitamin B6 and iron, both of which help the body's stored blood sugar convert into glucose, and glucose is the only fuel for the brain. Pumpkin pie is also considered the "smartest" dessert on the menu. Because with every bite of pumpkin pie, you simultaneously consume three types of carotenoids, which are very useful for preventing heart disease and anti-aging. Eating for Sadness
While some foods can make us happy, there are others that trouble and depress us! 1. Junk Food:
Office workers often complain about feeling drowsy in the afternoon because they ate too much sugar hidden in biscuits or chocolate at noon. Consuming too much sugar causes a large secretion of insulin, but without a continuous "fuel," blood sugar drops rapidly. These repeated changes make the mind tired. Moreover, biscuits, cakes, and fast food have already lost many vitamins and minerals needed by the body during the manufacturing process. 2. Excessive Coffee:
Some people who are used to drinking coffee may experience headaches and depression once they stop. It is generally recommended not to drink more than 3 cups of coffee a day. 3. Alcohol:
Dr. Thomas Uhde of the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health found that some people experience symptoms of panic attacks 6 to 12 hours after drinking alcohol. These people have an excessive reaction to anxiety. 4. High-Fat Foods:
Eating too much oil can cause arteries to be blocked by low-density lipoprotein (LDL), damaging the brain's circulation. Moreover, eating high-fat foods also produces a large amount of free radicals. When free radicals come into contact with neurons, they damage them. Eating for Passion
Can you believe that you can improve your sex life in just a few weeks, and the method is simple and easy—through food. It is recommended that you give it a try. 1. Seafood:
Seafood, like lean meat, is rich in zinc. Zinc is an important element that men must have. A lack of zinc can lead to low libido, a small amount of sperm, and even impotence. Each male ejaculation contains about 5 milligrams of zinc, which is one-third of the daily zinc intake. Therefore, the more frequent the sexual activity, the more zinc he needs to supplement. 2. Eggs:
Research shows that the substances contained in eggs can effectively increase libido. 3. Ginseng:
Feeling tired and stressed? Eating one gram of ginseng daily will help relieve fatigue and stress, and at the same time, ginseng can also enhance a person's vitality and improve libido. 4. Loach:
Although the loach is not a pretty sight, it is a great nourishing food for men. Loach contains high-quality protein, fat, vitamin A, vitamin B1, niacin, iron, phosphorus, calcium, etc. It has a sweet taste and is neutral in nature, with the effects of tonifying the middle and replenishing qi, nourishing the kidneys and generating essence, and has a good effect on regulating sexual function. Loach contains a special protein that promotes sperm formation. 5. Scallions:
It is said that in the wedding ceremonies of some ethnic groups on the Balkan Peninsula, scallions appear, symbolizing the hope that the newlyweds will be healthy and happy. Modern medical research shows that scallions are very nutritious. The various plant hormones and vitamins they contain can ensure normal human hormone secretion, thus playing a role in strengthening yang and nourishing yin.