There are certain foods that are scientifically proven to be a much better option than the ready to eat energy bars available at sports shops and now even at medical stores.
DARK CHOCOLATE.
Dark chocolate contains a significant amount of cocoa compared to normal milk chocolates. It also comes packed with anti-oxidant molecules (the flavonoids and the phenolic phytochemicals) which are known for their tremendous health benefits to the body.
Eating two to three pieces of dark chocolate every day helps in reducing stress significantly.
TOMATOES.
Now, who would have thought of that? Then, here’s a hint. Have you ever felt a slight lift in your mood after eating tomatoes? Yes, right. So, then, what’s the secret behind that? Tomatoes contain lycopene. It is a fat-soluble phytonutrient which helps to protect the vital brain fat along and stops buildup of the (pro-inflammatory) compounds that are linked to stress and depression.
To increase the amount of lycopene in your body, it is recommended that you sprinkle some olive oil on the tomatoes and enjoy them to your heart’s content; but do make sure that the tomatoes are fresh and organic.
FISH.
Consuming fish (that are rich in oils and fats) will give you a whole lot of omega-3s (a nutrient which can boost your mood levels).Omega-3s are a kind of nutrient which our body doesn’t produce and hence, taking in oily and fatty fish will provide your body with this nutrient. This nutrient is known to alter the chemicals of our brain which are directly linked to our moods – such as serotonin and dopamine.
COCONUT.
So, coconut may come off as an unusual ingredient which can boost our mood levels, but recent studies have found out that the scent of the coconut can blunt the human “fight or flight” response.
According to scientists, not only coconut but smelling anything pleasant soothes our response to stress and depression and enhances our reaction to alertness. Perfumes are known to be mood enhancers for this reason.
TEA.
Feeling a lot more fuzzy than usual? Why not try out tea? Tea – be it black, green or oolong tea – can create an alert state of mind.The amino acid present in these varieties of tea – theanine – can improve your focus and attention as they work synergistically with caffeine.
In order to reap these rich benefits from tea, you should drink at least 3 cups daily at regular intervals of time.
HONEY.
Although it is sweet as sugar, honey is fortified with beneficial compounds – quercetin and kaempferol – which helps to clean up the free radicals in body.
Honey is also known to reduce inflammation which in turn helps in maintaining a healthy brain as studies have found out that stress and depression are known to stem out from chronic and low-grade inflammation.
BERRIES.
Berries are a rich source of anti-oxidants and hence, are very efficient in fighting against stress and depression.
Being loaded with anti-oxidants, they are known to promote proper functioning of the brain along with improving the cognitive functions. Moreover, berries also promote positive energy, thus, stimulating the production of the “feel-good enzymes”.
It is advisable to replace your traditional popcorn with frozen blueberries to munch on during leisure times.
AVOCADOS.
They are a rich source of good and healthy fats that are known to raise the levels of dopamine and endorphins. So, should you ever feel low, try out avocados – be it a salad or shakes – and it’s guaranteed to make you feel a lot better.
BANANAS.
No matter how you take bananas – be it raw or in a milkshake – they are known to treat depression. After all, bananas are rich source of vitamins, minerals and tryptophan which raise the levels of serotonin.
Tryptophan is a compound that is used in medications for treating anxiety, depression and insomnia. It is the compounds which are found in bananas that can lift moods, and among them, it is the vitamin B6 which converts tryptophan into the mood-lifting hormone, serotonin. This will not only make you feel better, but also help you get a good night’s sleep.
WALNUTS.
They are known to specially come in handy when it comes to fighting stress and depression. Walnuts are loaded with “good fats”.
Taking in eight to ten walnuts daily can improve your cell health and optimise the cell wall’s composition. It also lower the levels of blood cholesterol thereby improving the circulation of blood automatically and treat depression, promoting an overall sense of well-being and happiness.
Not only are these foods affordable but they also have been proven scientifically to lift your spirits. Food and mood are closely linked to each other. In today’s stress filled life, consuming the right food in the right quantity at the right time is a necessity.
