It is common knowledge that stress remains the biggest healthcare
challenge for most people. From teenagers to those in their retirement
years, everyone seems to struggle with low mood or feeling anxious at
some point. Contemporary lifestyles are hard to tackle and we need
simple, safe measures to deal with it. Rather than using mood-elevating
pills, using food as a therapy for keeping yourself happier seems like a
wiser choice. Here, look at some of the foods, which are capable of
uplifting our spirits.
Start your day with milk
Milk is among the few natural foods that contain an absorbable form of tryptophan,
which helps to raise serotonin levels. Milk is enriched with many
antioxidants that help to neutralise the damaging action of free
radicals on the neurotransmitters of the brain. Milk also contains
vitamins B12 and D that are required for fighting away stress. Using
low-fat milk is suggested to control your daily intake of dietary fat.
Take a few bites of dark chocolate
There is a major difference between sugar-loaded milk chocolates that we
commonly find and the cocoa-rich dark chocolates. A few bites of dark
chocolate helps to make us feel good, instantly. Along with the minimal
amount of sugar found in dark chocolates, cocoa creates the perfect
concoction for keeping you energetic. Theobromine and phenylethylamine (PEA) are the two main biochemicals
found in dark chocolate that tend to induce a feeling of goodness. They
help to raise the release of endorphins or the feel-good neurochemicals in our brain.
Eat a small amount of nuts
Nuts, particularly walnuts and almonds, are recommended for their
overall nutritive quality and their contribution to help us feel better.
Nuts are rich in rare minerals like selenium and omega 3 fatty acids
that are needed for the brain to counter stress. Omega-3 fatty acids are
often grouped under “brain foods” since they are required to keep your
brain healthy and stress-free.
The humble banana
Bananas are among the richest sources of complex carbohydrates. Unlike,
synthetic or artificial sugar that tends to raise the blood sugar levels
instantly, bananas help to sustain the feeling of being energised for a
longer period. Synthetic sugar spikes fall down rather soon, inducing
hunger pangs and a low feeling. Bananas are fortified with tryptophan. This critical peptide is needed for creating serotonin- commonly referred to as the ‘feel-good hormone’.
Ensure sufficient folate
Along with vitamin B12, folic acid is among the most critical of B-family vitamins that are used for fighting stress. Folate
or folic acid is often prescribed along with antidepressants,
underlining how important they are for sustaining a happier
state-of-mind. To increase your intake of folate,
eat more of whole-grain items including multi-grain breads and pastas, a
variety of lentils, soy products, beetroot, oatmeal and mustard greens.
Cup of coffee helps
Caffeine is counted among the most mood-elevating beverages. The high
caffeine content of coffee is responsible for its mood-uplifting
abilities. Caffeine is also the hidden content in dark chocolate and
among many aerated drinks. However, an overload of caffeine can leave
you jittery and anxious. So ensure, daily-but-minimal intake of coffee.
Further, excessive caffeine can get you addicted to the “caffeine rush”,
which some folks believe is as powerful as the feeling nicotine
induces.
Grapes and Oranges
Grapes and oranges are the most recommended from the perspective of
keeping us happier. Grapes are high in vitamin C and natural sugars,
potassium and antioxidants like polyphenols. Oranges contain high
concentrations of vitamin C and antioxidants like flavonoids. Vitamin C is an integral ingredient for synthesising serotonin.
Caution!
Please Remember: There is a significant difference between snacking
lightly to feel good and trying to fill a void in your life with food.
The latter refers to ‘Emotional Eating’ that we don’t intend to
encourage via this article. The idea here is to discuss foods that
should be chosen as a part of your regular, average diet to contribute
towards keeping you in a happier state-of-mind.