Happy Food
08/02/2012 Leave a comment
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| Photo Credit: Stefan Kühn CC-BY-SA-3.0 |
Can food change your mood? Are there foods that make you feel good, bad or happy? What you eat has an impact on your body chemistry. Some foods raise or lower chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. Other foods aid in the brain’s production of serotonin. Serotonin is the hormone that produces a relaxed, calm and happy feeling. Anadamine in the brain makes you feel cheerful. Try some of good mood food to improve your mood.
Dairy products, such as milk, contain an amino acid called tryptophan. Tryptophan is necessary for the brain to make serotonin. Milk products also contain vitamins D and B, antioxidants and calcium. If you’re watching your calories, drink skim milk to feel calmer while nourishing your body with essential vitamins and minerals. Bananas are also an excellent source of tryptophan and other important nutrients such as potassium.
Most everyone already knows that chocolate is a “comfort food.” You feel happier after eating chocolate because it contains anadamine that helps you feel happier. Sugar in chocolate also increases the brain’s endorphin levels. Endorphins are a natural pain reliever and cause you to feel happy. Endorphins are also released by the brain when you engage in vigorous exercise. This brain chemical is responsible for the “runner’s high” that athletes experience after vigorous exercise.
Carbohydrates are nutritional happy foods that you should include in your diet every day. Carbohydrates increase serotonin that helps you feel calm and relaxed. Rice, wheat and raw vegetables are an excellent source of healthy carbs.
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