Foods that help to cheer up - HealthyLife

When we head back from work in case we are in no mood to cook we always want to grab a snack or something to cheer us up. Foods always makes us happy and eating something that we like or love will make us feel better. When we are tired,  not in a good mood or unhappy eating something that we love many times bring back the happiness. Some of these following foods are known to secrete serotonin a compound that makes us feel happy. Take a look..

1)  DARK CHOCOLATE

Not only is it delish, dark chocolate is high in magnesium, a mineral that calms your muscles and reduces anxiety. It also contains tryptophan, which helps reduce symptoms of depression. Dark chocolate not only provides immediate eating pleasure, but it has a high percentage of cacaos, which has more antioxidant power than many other foods. Suggested serving is 2-4 small squares or an ounce a day.

2) GREEN TEA

Green tea is full of theanine, an antioxidant which acts as a calming agent. A Japanese study, conducted with more than 40,000 people, found that levels of psychological stress were 20% lower in people who drank five or more cups of green tea per day compared to those who drank less than one. The results held true even after other factors were accounted for, including age, sex, medical history, body mass index, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, and diet. Reach for green tea as a beverage, or incorporate loose tea leaves or brewed green tea into cooking.

3) BERRIES

Blue berries, strawberry and all those berries. With blueberries considered a super food, these little round bites of sweetness are excellent at relieving angst. Rich in vitamins, phytonutrients and a variety of stress-reducing antioxidants, blueberries are the perfect snack to help activate happy messages in the brain.  Have blueberry yogurt once a while -the fruit at the bottom will uplift your spirits!

4) NUTS

An ounce of walnuts has 4 grams of protein. Both walnuts and cashew are also a good source of magnesium and phosphorus: Having low levels of magnesium has been linked to increased risk of depression, while high levels of magnesium have been linked to reduced symptoms of depression. Walnuts also contain cell-protecting antioxidants and are low in carbohydrates, which mean they will not cause a spike in blood sugar and insulin.

5) GREENS-KALE & SPINACH

One cup of kale or spinach is excellent sources of vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K and magnesium and is good source of fiber. Spinach contains high concentrations of folate, a B-vitamin used in the serotonin creation process. Kale is also high in copper, a trace mineral that works to support many vital functions.

6)  COFFEE

Coffee is practically a magic bean when it comes to mood lifting: The caffeine in coffee can boost mental focus and alertness and athletic performance. Coffee consumption may also protect against Type 2 diabetes and decrease the risk of depression. But the less you consume, the better it works.

7) FERMENTED FOODS

The gut is one of the first indicators of health. In fact, most of the body’s serotonin (which is responsible for making you feel happy) is produced in the gut, not the brain. Consequently, the gut and the brain (and how you feel) are intrinsically linked. Try Indian dosa, Idli or even varieties of bread with a side dish that will help you to recover your mood.

8) BANANAS

Bananas are a neat way to put the zing back in your system. Full of energy, vitamin B6, tryptophan, iron, magnesium and potassium, plus being a natural probiotic, high in fiber, and a regulator of blood sugar, bananas are great snack too.  In fact, eating one banana as a mid-morning snack will fuel the body with enough magnesium (a stress-reducer) for the entire day!