A CULINARY PATH TO PEACE OF MIND
Mood and food. There’s a direct relationship between what we consume and how we feel. Some foods make us feel sluggish and tired. Some make us feel heavy and bloated. Yet, some make us feel energized and happy, and ready to take on the world.
Welcome everyone to this week’s blog, which just happens to be devoted to the latter.
You see, our overall mental health is dependent on our brain and the way it manufactures neurotransmitters. Some neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine help calm our minds and promote feelings of peace and wellbeing. And fortunately for us, these mood enhancing endorphins and chemical reactions can be triggered by certain foods, often referred to as “happy foods.”
So, let’s get started with 8 FABULOUS FOODS that can give us that most important “mood fix” while bidding melancholy goodbye.
BANANAS
Bananas are packed with potassium and tryptophan both of which help us maintain a positive attitude. They also contain high levels of vitamin B folate which is important because depression is linked to low levels of vitamin B. And bananas are a super source of energy-enhancing carbohydrates to get you going and keep you productive.
BERRIES
Whether you prefer raspberries, blueberries, blackberries or strawberries, all are loaded with antioxidants that fight disease and keep us operating at our best. Add to this the mood-stabilizing chemicals, the inflammation-fighting compounds, and the abundance of vitamin C found in berries, and you have a great source for fighting depression and boosting your mental health.
CHOCOLATE
There’s no doubt about it. Eating chocolate – especially dark chocolate — makes us happy. First, it’s loaded with antioxidants that keep us healthy and productive. Second, chocolate contains the compound phenylethylamine or PEA, which increases the brain’s production of mood-altering endorphins. And endorphins, of course, put us in a “loving” mood and keep depression at bay.
EGGS
This simple staple contains wonderful mood-enhancing omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, B vitamins and protein. An egg in itself is a well-balanced meal that’s also a rich source of L-tryptophan, which increases our brain’s production of endorphins. And we already know that these “happy hormones” help fight depression, and boost our mood and mental outlook.
HONEY
Here’s another sweet treat that has a positive effect on our brains. Honey contains quercetin and kaempferol, which are chemicals that reduce inflammation in the brain. This in turn, helps prevent depression and keeps our emotions balanced and stable.
NUTS
Just a handful of nuts a day can do wonders for our mood and mental health. Almonds, walnuts, pistachios and pecans, for example, all contain healthy good fats, antioxidants which fight disease, and vitamins and minerals like magnesium and potassium, which increase our levels of the feel-good chemical serotonin and protect our mental health.
SALMON
Salmon is one of the healthiest and most flavorful foods of the sea. This fish is packed with protein, selenium, potassium and antioxidants, all of which keep us energized and mentally alert. Salmon also is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation, enhance memory function, protect brain health and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
YOGURT
This easy, go-to snack is a popular choice for many people. Of course, it’s a wonderful source of protein. But its probiotic benefits also improve digestion and keep our gut healthy. This allows our gut to work in concert with our brain and increase the production of serotonin and dopamine. And as we know, these feel-good chemicals help fight depression and feelings of stress and anxiety.
As we’ve all heard many times, we are what we eat. Happy foods make for a happy mood and much needed peace of mind. It’s nice to know that just by eating certain foods we can help maintain a good mood and a positive mental attitude, especially during times of chaos, confusion and crisis.
Thanks again for joining me everyone. Please continue to stay safe. Until next time, protect your GOOD HEALTH and . . .
TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!
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