Your sense of taste is an amazing thing, seemingly having a memory of its own. Your brain sees a red, ripe apple and your taste buds can imagine what it tastes like before you bite into it. You start to drool at your first sight of a delectable chocolate cake. As you probably realize, eating foods you enjoy brings you pleasure. However, did you know there are certain foods that make you happy and more content?
Several studies have uncovered evidence that coffee boosts a person’s mood. When drank in moderation, about two or four cups a day, individuals were less likely to be depressed and experienced an increased immunity against specific diseases. Coffee contains caffeine, often touted as the only legal upper on the market. The consumption of it promotes serotonin and dopamine to the brain, making you feel better.
It is no surprise that chocolate made the list of foods that make you happy. It contains a little bit of caffeine mixed with a whole lot of polyphenols. Polyphenols contain mood boosting properties that put you in a better mood, calm your nerves and promote a feeling of contentment.
Foods like beans, peas and peanuts are full of magnesium. This mineral is essential in the production and distribution of energy within your body. However, if you perform intense exercise or do strenuous activities on a regular basis, you run the risk of losing a lot of magnesium through perspiration. Eating legumes help replenish your supply. Typically, the more energized you feel, the happier you feel.
Foods that make you happy include beets. Considered one of the superfoods, beets are full of folic acid and betaine. Both nutrients promote mental and emotional health because of their mood and immune boosting properties.
Studies have found that eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can reduce irritability, improve your mood and lower your risk of depression. These nutrients can be found in fatty fish like tuna and salmon.
Apricots are an all-around good fruit, which is why it makes the list of foods that make you happy. It is full of antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, zeaxanthin and lutein. Research also supports that these nutrients reduce instances of anxiety and depression.
Berries not only taste good, they make you feel good too! They are full of vitamin C, antioxidants and anthocyanins, all of which fight against disease, depression and fatigue. Research has uncovered evidence that individuals who eat berries on a regular basis are in a better mood, tend to have a better outlook on life, and are generally happier.
Red wine is not only good for your heart. Recent studies have found evidence that drinking red wine in moderation can reduce chances of depression, improve your mood and even help you keep a trim waistline. Moderation is the key, because drinking more than a glass a day can trigger the opposite affect and hurt your health.
Touted as one of the best dietary sources of the mineral zinc, oysters are considered nature’s mood booster. Combined with its content of iron, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium and potassium, it is one of the most highly effective foods that make you happy and content. Oysters reduce your chances of developing anxiety and depression, and have even been known to increase your sex drive.
When you are relaxed, you are usually happy. Yogurt with active cultures contain probiotic bacteria that promote good digestive health. An upset stomach can cause all kinds of havoc and negative emotions. When your tummy is calm, so are you. Studies have found that people who eat active culture yogurt twice a day are better at handling stress and letting go of negative feelings.
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that fights against anxiety and depression. Lycopene is found in the skin of tomatoes, so eating one unpeeled is best. In addition, research has found that the nutrient level in organically grown tomatoes is higher. Tomatoes are also one of nature’s highest sources of vitamin C, which wards off disease and boosts your immune system. Keep in mind, more lycopene is released by cook tomatoes than raw ones.
Walnuts are one of the foods that make you happy because it is rich in serotonin, a mood-boosting chemical found in your brain. As little as one ounce of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, has enough serotonin to increase happiness and promote calmness. Walnuts are also full of alpha-linolenic acid, which fights against inflammation, promotes dopamine to the brain, and reduces chances of depression.