Top 10 foods that make us happy

Think you can't find happiness in a bowl? Quite the opposite. After all, some products are natural antidepressants that stimulate the production of happiness hormones in the human body. If you want to make your menu not only tasty but also improve your mood, then read about 10 foods that make us happy.

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1. Bananas are a sweet source of tryptophan.

And from tryptophan, as you know, serotonin is formed, which is also called the hormone of happiness. The minerals and vitamins contained in bananas (magnesium, potassium, B vitamins) also play a very important role in the functioning of our nervous system - they support us in the fight against stress and fatigue.

Bananas are an excellent source of easily digestible simple carbohydrates. If you are tired or you do not have enough energy, eat a banana, it will quickly put you on your feet - pure glucose enters our cells almost immediately and we feel a surge of energy. (Photo: Epiphonication/flikr.com).

2. Chili peppers: endorphins as a reward for pain.

After eating a small piece of chili pepper, we feel as if a fire is burning in our mouths. This is due to the capsaicin it contains, an alkaloid that gives it a spicy taste. Capsaicin causes a stimulation of the human nervous system, similar to that which occurs when we are scalded or injured. In such situations, the nervous system sends a pain alarm signal. Our body, in order to help itself get rid of suffering, begins the production of endorphins - natural painkillers that cause a state of euphoria and happiness.

Chili peppers also help improve metabolism, but it should be remembered that capsaicin in large quantities is harmful to the liver. So don't go overboard in your efforts to be happy by eating hot peppers. (Photo: Troy Morris/flikr.com).

3. Whole grain products for optimal functioning of the nervous system.

For our nervous system to work at full capacity, it must receive energy from carbohydrates. And the best for our body are complex carbohydrates, that is, whole grain products: brown bread, pasta, cereals. They are absorbed gradually, do not cause, like simple carbohydrates, a glycemic shock: when, after eating, the blood sugar level first rises rapidly, as a result of which insulin is produced in large quantities, which in turn contributes to a sharp decrease in sugar to an even lower level than before meals.

Whole grains also contain B vitamins and magnesium, which have anti-stress properties, and fiber, which improves metabolism. (Photo: mystuart/flikr.com).

4. Marine fish, especially fatty ones, are an excellent source of Omega-3 and vitamin D.

Omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, which are found in large quantities in fatty fish: salmon, horse mackerel, sardine, and herring, are useful not only for the cardiovascular system but also have a positive effect on our well-being. According to scientific studies, people who suffered from depression were found to be low in these fats. By adding oily fish to the menu, we will not only improve mood, but also blood circulation, which speeds up the transmission of nerve signals and thus has a positive effect on memory and intelligence.

It has been proven that children who eat a lot of fish grow better. In addition, fish is a real treasure trove of vitamin D, which is produced in our body under the influence of sunlight. Therefore, in the cold and cloudy season, you need to eat a lot of fish, which will make up for the deficiency of this substance, which is so necessary for well-being. (Photo: Alvin Smith/flikr.com).

5. Chocolate - The stimulating power of caffeine and theobromine.

Chocolate contains substances that stimulate the nervous system: stimulating caffeine and the alkaloid - theobromine, which has a similar only weaker effect. After eating a piece of chocolate, we are overwhelmed with a feeling of joy. This happens because endorphins are produced in the body, which causes a state of euphoria.

However, eating too much chocolate due to high blood sugar can cause mood swings. Therefore, chocolate is useful in moderation. It is worth choosing chocolate with a high cocoa content - it is considered more useful than other varieties. (Photo: Moyan Brenn/flikr.com).

6. Spinach is a source of folic acid.

Spinach contains a lot of folic acids, which are of great importance for the proper development and functioning of the human nervous system, especially during prenatal development. Consumption of foods rich in folic acid promotes the production of the hormone of happiness - serotonin, which improves mood and makes us happy. In order for folic acid to be well absorbed, it must be taken with iron-rich foods, such as red meat.

If you don't like spinach, you can replace it with broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or lettuce. (Photo: NatalieMaynor/flikr.com).

7. Raw vegetables are not only a storehouse of vitamins.

In addition to the high content of vitamins, one should not underestimate the other anti-stress properties of raw vegetables associated with the very process of their consumption. In stressful situations, people tend to clench their teeth and jaws, and for those who are constantly nervous, such tension in the facial muscles can become chronic. Chewing and biting fresh vegetables acts as gymnastics and relaxes the muscles of the face and jaws, and also helps to get rid of headaches caused by nervous tension. The ideal option is not to buy, but to grow your own vegetables. In order for vegetables to grow well, sometimes you need to help them by increasing the fertility of the soil. This can be done by adding mixtures or soils, for example, as on RosAgroGrunt. (Photo: Honey Tee/flikr.com).

8. Lean meat has a calming and relaxing effect.

Lean meat (chicken, turkey) is a valuable source of tryptophan, which is necessary for the production of the hormone of happiness - serotonin. Combined with carbohydrates (like 2 potatoes, a slice of bread, or a few boiled carrots) not only improves mood but also has a relaxing and calming effect.

Lean poultry, lean beef, or pork contain tyrosine, which is involved in mood regulation. Dopamine and norepinephrine are synthesized from tyrosine - important neurotransmitters that affect our well-being - sharpen vigilance, improve attention and memory, and help to concentrate. (Photo: torbakhopper/flikr.com).

9. Nuts are a source of "good" fatty acids, vitamin E, and magnesium.

Nuts, in addition to fatty acids useful for the body, contain a large amount of magnesium, which has an anti-stress effect.

Especially valuable are Brazil nuts, which are also rich in plant-derived selenium. Just three Brazil nuts a day provide the daily human need for this substance. It has been proven that the lack of selenium in the body causes anxiety, irritability, and fatigue and can lead to depression. Therefore, eating just a few nuts a day will not only help avoid depression but also make us happier. (Photo: Adam Wyles/flikr.com).

10. St. John's wort is the best natural antidepressant.

Thanks to the content of substances such as hyperforin and hypericin, St. John's wort is called the "golden weed" - it regulates mood, reduces feelings of anxiety, and treats depression. Perhaps that is why St. John's wort in ancient folk beliefs was considered a remedy for evil spirits?

However, it should be used very carefully in summer, as hypericin causes photosensitivity. And if we stay in the sun for too long after drinking steam of St. John's wort, we can get sunburn.