Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: Good Mood Food

Food. Every living thing needs it to survive. For human beings, a well-balanced diet is necessary for proper growth when we are young and for maintaining optimum health when we are older. Human beings eat a lot of food. Over the course of a year, the average person will consume over 1000 pounds of food! Our bodies use all that food as fuel and as building blocks needed for repairing it’s self.

But, what about our emotional health; are there foods that can actually make us feel better mentally? Can a person’s diet really have an impact on his/her happiness? The experts seem to think so. They say the secret lies in choosing foods that are rich in omega-3 fats, folic acid, selenium, and vitamin B12. Let’s have a closer look at the top foods that are considered rich in the above mentioned vitamins, nutrients, and naturally occurring chemicals in our brains.

Chocolate contains anadamine, a naturally occurring chemical in the brains of mammals. Anandamide plays important roles in the regulation of mood, memory, appetite, and pain perception and is believed to brighten our mood. Scientists believe that other chemicals in chocolate cause anadamine to stay in the brain longer, thus enhancing its positive effect. Chocolate also contains sugar, which boosts levels of endorphins, a hormone that makes us happy.
Lowfat or skim milk products are rich in tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid that is needed by our brains to make serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical in our brains that makes us happy. Milk also contains antioxidants, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Milk is also rich in lithium, a trace mineral which several studies have found is effective in treating depression. A study out of Japan discovered that even small amounts of lithium canhelp to lower your risk for depression and lift your mood.
Bananas also contain tryptophan, which we know is needed by the brain to produce serotonin, which makes us happy and calm. They also possess carbohydrates which the body needs to boost its energy. Bananas are high in potassium, which is most beneficial in preventing muscle cramps. Experts believe bananas to be one of the world’s healthiest fruits.
Coffee boosts your energy level, makes you feel more alert and can improve your memory. A recent Brazilian study shows that people who drink coffee with milk every day are less likely to suffer from depression. Coffee also contains antioxidants. It is important to remember to drink coffee in moderation; one to two cups a day. Anything over that could have possible adverse affects on your health.
Carbohydratesare just about everyone’s favorite comfort food. Eating carbs can increase serotonin levels, which has a happy and calming effect. In order to prevent sudden jumps in blood sugar, choose healthier carbohydrates like brown rice, wheat bread, and vegetables. These good carbs are digested more slowly and make you fuller and possibly happier for a longer period.
Spinach is loaded with folic acid. Folic acid is Vitamin B9 and helps the body convert carbohydrates to fuel to be burned by the body for energy. B vitamins, often referred to as B complex vitamins, also help the body metabolize fats and protein. B complex vitamins are necessary for healthy skin, hair, eyes, and liver. Folic acid is crucial for proper brain function and plays an important role in mental and emotional health.
Broccoli is another food rich in B vitamins that are also known to fight stress and improve temperament. Other than helping improve our mood, broccoli is a proven cancer fighting food.
Oily fish like salmon or mackerel, walnuts, and flaxseed are all packed with omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids have been shown in studies to keep our moods on an even keel. A study in Finland shows that people who eat more fish are less likely to be depressed. High doses of omega-3 may even be used to treat clinical depression. Fish is also rich in selenium. Changes in thyroid function may affect mood, behavior, and cognitive function. Selenium is required for appropriate thyroid hormone synthesis, activation, and metabolism. Selenium status influences thyroid function. Selenium status also affects psychological condition and cognitive function.
Blueberries and citrus foods are abundant in antioxidants and vitamin C, which are both known to reduce stress. Vitamin C plays an important role in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter, norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters are critical to brain function and
are known to affect mood.
Liver contains Vitamin B-6 which the body uses to convert phenylalanine into dopamine, a feel good compound in the brain.
Nuts help reduce fatigue and decrease feelings of irritability. They also provide essential vitamin C, which is known to play a role in the synthesis of norepinephrine, which is known to affect mood. Furthermore they are abundant in antioxidants.