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9 Superfoods to Eat Your Way to Happiness
Happiness is linked to serotonin in the brain. High levels of cortisol can lower the amount of serotonin in the brain. Depressed people often need to boost serotonin levels through medication. However, long-term use of these medications may only do more harm than good to people. Eating these super foods can definitely help you to become happier.
Spinach
Spinach is a wonder vegetable. It has vitamin A that helps you fight certain cancers. It is also beneficial to your eyes. Spinach also has substantial amounts of magnesium and selenium which are primary nutrients that allow the body to produce enzymes. These enzymes can help increase the amount of serotonin in the brain. More serotonin means more happiness.
Bananas
It is said that people with depression feel happier after eating bananas. Vitamin B-complex has been proven to reduce depression, lower stress levels, and even anxiety. Bananas are excellent sources of potassium which is beneficial to cellular activities in the body. Eating bananas will also help boost the production of tryptophan which serves as a precursor of serotonin.
Oranges
Eat an orange anytime you want and experience an instant boost of energy and good mood. Oranges contain vitamin C which can also be responsible for pumping more oxygen to your brain and entire body. So, if you are thinking about having a healthy snack, grab some oranges.
Salmon
Salmon is heavy with omega-3 fatty acids that act as cushion for your brain cells to improve your memory and boost your mood. The same is true with other fishes such as herring, sardines, and mackerel. The healthy fats found in this seafood can be very satisfying thereby helping you curb your hunger for several hours.
Blueberries
These blueberries contain antioxidants that keep your neural pathways running so smooth. Eating more of foods that contain antioxidants such as blueberries will help make one’s body an amazing factory of anti-oxidants. These anti-oxidants will help churn out serotonin and dopamine to make the person feel good and happy.
Asparagus
Bad news: Asparagus can make your urine smell funny. Good news: Asparagus is rich in folate which makes you feel good and prevent you from having a long face. Use asparagus in salads and eat as many as you like. Asparagus is also good for detoxification since it has a lot of fiber that is good against colon cancer.
Avocadoes
Avocadoes are the best stress-busting fruits known to man. It is rich in glutathione which is a powerful anti-oxidant. It is also rich in lutein that prevents the eyes from being at risk of macular degeneration. Avocadoes also have vitamin E and A which are crucial in the production of enzymes that produce serotonin in the brain. It is also rich in certain B vitamins that help alleviate the rising tide of cortisol in the body.
Dark chocolate
Before you rejoice in the prospect of munching on dark chocolate against depression, there is something you need to know. It is laden with fat and sugars. Over 45 percent of the respondents in a particular study said that their mood improved after eating dark chocolates. Researchers agree that sufferers eating dark chocolates are likely to benefit from the sweets. Chocolates have opiates that are related to endorphins that make people feel more relaxed. The caveat is that chocolates should be eaten in moderation.
Milk
Milk is a wonderful beverage for it has folate which is very good in producing chemicals that make you happier. Milk also has calcium and magnesium that give you better bones and teeth. It is also rich in other vitamins and minerals that strengthen your bodyguard against infections. Pick the low-fat variety so that you will not add pounds while you enjoy this delicious superfood.
Happiness is not only a state of mind, sometimes you need to have chemicals in the brain to make you happy. Eating foods that produce a lot of serotonin is a natural way to make one happy. If you don’t want synthetic chemicals to kick you out from depression then try the suggestions above to have a better quality of life.