Do you think you need a dash of good cheer? Well, look no further than the grocery shelves. Believe it or not, there are foods out there that don’t just provide the nutrients your body needs, but reduces the symptoms of anxiety, keeping you calm, happy, and filled with good vibes!
Here are 10 foods that can turn your day around.
1. Clams
Sure, you have already heard about salmons, giving us some sort of happy feeling, but there are many other seafood options around like clams.
According to studies, low levels of vitamin B12 may be linked to depression. The good news is that clams have plenty of this vitamin, including the canned varieties and the chowder. However, if you can’t have clams every day, you can eat other seafoods that are rich in B12, such as mussels and trout.
2. Dark Chocolate
Interestingly, happiness isn’t only found in fruits or veggies. It is also present in dark chocolates! Unlike artificial sugar used in most chocolates, dark chocolates can provide you an instant happiness boost. That is because it contains magnesium, one of the primary nutrients needed for producing serotonin, which is the hormone that promotes good mood.
3. Avocado
Avocado is a popular superfood that is loaded with health perks, ranging from heart protection to digestion aid. But what makes it actually super is that it has something special that betters our mood.
Well, it’s no rocket science how avocado does that. This fruit is a natural hormone balancer that ensures the brain has the right amount of minerals and chemicals to keep us feeling great. Now, eat more avocado to feel happier!
4. Green Tea
Do you believe that green tea can reduce stress levels? Yes, it does. Aside from the fact that it contains caffeine that gives us a lift, it also increases the production of serotonin, the hormone responsible for pleasure and reward. Therefore, make it a habit to drink a cup of green tea every day to keep the stress away.
5. Honey
Unlike ordinary table sugar, honey has lots of beneficial compounds that can keep your brain healthy and prevent depression. It also has a significant impact on blood sugar levels, keeping it at normal and safe levels.
Knowing the effects of honey to our body, add a tablespoon of it to your morning bowl of cereals or your afternoon tea. Make sure you don’t go overboard. Too much of it can make you feel heavier than happy because it is still a sweetener.
6. Raw Nuts
Yes, you can go nuts over raw nuts! The reason is that these tidbits of foods are packed with benefits that bring about positivity and good mood, hence keeping that smile on your face.
Based on research, nuts have serotonin, a feel-good substance that has a shortage whenever you feel sad and depressed. Also, they are full of healthy fats and antioxidants! Then again, just like all fats, they have to be taken in moderation. A handful is just enough to keep you smiling.
8. Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds aren’t just for toppings, they are also powerful in their own little ways. They may be small in size, but they have enough power to keep you happy for years! Thanks to its tyrosine content.
Tyrosine is an amino acid that increases the dopamine levels of the brain. It’s quite an impressive thing for such a tiny seed. Knowing what sesame seeds can do, try sprinkling it on salads or in desserts.
9. Grapes
Like sesame seeds, grapes may be small, but they possess enough power to lift up your spirit when you feel gloomy. If you examine the composition of these tiny fruits, you will notice that they are full of antioxidants and flavonoids that are known to have an impact on our mood.
Although you can get some of these substances by drinking red wine, which are made of grapes, take note that it also contains alcohol, and alcohol is a form of depressant. To keep yourself in a good mood, eat the fruit raw or add it to salads and other recipes.
10. Shiitake Mushrooms
They may appear like ordinary mushrooms, but it has more to offer than just good taste. Though it contains all B vitamins needed to ensure our physical and psychological functions work normally, it particularly has B6, which is known to help improve a person’s mood.
Research suggests that vitamin B6 directly impacts the serotonin productions. So, if you add more shiitake mushrooms in your recipes, you don’t just improve the taste of foods. You are also promoting good vibes as you serve them to your loved ones.
The next time you are feeling sad and blue or you just want to ward off that negative vibe, consider adding any of these foods to your diet. Believe us, they don’t just reduce stress and alleviate anxiety, they also combat depression. Now, go to the grocery and fill your carts with these happiness-inducing foods.