It is common knowledge that stress remains the biggest healthcare challenge for most people. From teenagers to those in their retirement years, everyone seems to struggle with low mood or feeling anxious at some point......
Contemporary lifestyles are hard to tackle and we need simple, safe measures to deal with it. Rather than using mood-elevating pills, using food as a therapy for keeping yourself happier seems like a wiser choice. Here, look at some of the foods, which are capable of uplifting our spirits
Milk is among the few natural foods that contain an absorbable form of tryptophan, which helps to raise serotonin levels. Milk is enriched with many antioxidants that help to neutralise the damaging action of free radicals on the neurotransmitters of the brain. Milk also contains vitamins B12 and D that are required for fighting away stress. Using low-fat milk is suggested to control your daily intake of dietary fat.
2. Take a few bites of dark chocolate
There is a major difference between sugar-loaded milk chocolates that we commonly find and the cocoa-rich dark chocolates. A few bites of dark chocolate helps to make us feel good, instantly. Along with the minimal amount of sugar found in dark chocolates, cocoa creates the perfect concoction for keeping you energetic. Theobromine and phenylethylamine (PEA) are the two main biochemicals found in dark chocolate that tend to induce a feeling of goodness. They help to raise the release of endorphins or the feel-good neurochemicals in our brain.
3. Eat a small amount of nuts
Nuts, particularly walnuts and almonds, are recommended for their overall nutritive quality and their contribution to help us feel better. Nuts are rich in rare minerals like selenium and omega 3 fatty acids that are needed for the brain to counter stress. Omega-3 fatty acids are often grouped under "brain foods" since they are required to keep your brain healthy and stress-free.
4. The humble banana
Bananas are among the richest sources of complex carbohydrates. Unlike, synthetic or artificial sugar that tends to raise the blood sugar levels instantly, bananas help to sustain the feeling of being energised for a longer period. Synthetic sugar spikes fall down rather soon, inducing hunger pangs and a low feeling. Bananas are fortified with tryptophan. This critical peptide is needed for creating serotonin- commonly referred to as the 'feel-good hormone'
Caffeine is counted among the most mood-elevating beverages. The high caffeine content of coffee is responsible for its mood-uplifting abilities. Caffeine is also the hidden content in dark chocolate and among many aerated drinks. However, an overload of caffeine can leave you jittery and anxious. So ensure, daily-but-minimal intake of coffee. Further, excessive caffeine can get you addicted to the "caffeine rush", which some folks believe is as powerful as the feeling nicotine induces.
6. Grapes and Oranges
Grapes and oranges are the most recommended from the perspective of keeping us happier. Grapes are high in vitamin C and natural sugars, potassium and antioxidants like polyphenols. Oranges contain high concentrations of vitamin C and antioxidants like flavonoids. Vitamin C is an integral ingredient for synthesising serotonin
Caution!
Please Remember: There is a significant difference between snacking lightly to feel good and trying to fill a void in your life with food. The latter refers to 'Emotional Eating' that we don't intend to encourage via this article. The idea here is to discuss foods that should be chosen as a part of your regular, average diet to contribute towards keeping you in a happier state-of-mind.
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