Feeling low? Grab a bunch of these food items for mood upliftment
Have you ever found bliss in a slice of turkey or in a bite of chocolate? If yes, then no doubt that food has the tempting power to make you happy. Let us tell you that few food items can prove magical to you in terms of emotional upliftment.
So, if you are feeling blue, then it is the perfect time to delve into the world of some delicacies that will raise your spirits. Are you curious to know what the food items that we are talking about are? Without further ado, let us clear the cloud of confusion for you!
Spicy salmon – Salmon shows anti-inflammatory properties and is the best source of omega-3 fatty acids. The two main types of omega 3-fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Both of these play an essential role in the development of the brain and nervous system. Studies indicate that they help in boosting the mood. Besides this, salmon contains a high level of protein and Vitamin D. So, are you ready to munch on the spicy salmon?
Leafy green vegetables – Everyone has heard that leafy green vegetables are rich in nutrients and vitamins. But do you know that it also includes fibres to balance blood sugar level and appropriate iron content? Medical experts say that iron deficiency could be the reason for anxiety or the disruption of neurotransmitters. Therefore leafy green vegetables help in producing more energy. More energy leads you to feel positive and strengthens your mind and body to participate in enjoyable activities. Now, go straight towards grabbing a bunch of spinach, mustard greens and dandelion or whichever leafy vegetables you enjoy. Add them to your diet in different ways, and you will surely feel good.
Touch of turkey – Having a few slices of turkey, and all is set. It contains tryptophan, an amino acid that builds up serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical that regulates feelings of happiness. But is that all? It also contains vitamins (B) and zinc. And let us tell you that deficiency of zinc is associated with mood disorders. Hence, get ready to grab the slices of turkey.
High fibre lentils – Feeling gloomy? Just eat the high fibre lentils and see how things turn out for you. Why is this so? Because lentils are rich in folate (Vitamin B9). Here is the thing! Deficiency of folate can lead to depression. Lentils and pulses also control blood sugar levels and are rich in iron and protein. Therefore add more of it to your diet.
Comfort with baklava – Have you ever experienced the feeling when your taste buds are just happy? Baklava and cookies are made for this only. It feels a sense of upliftment when you just put a slice of baklava on your tongue. How amazing it is! And if you think that it is a gruesome task to prepare it at your home, then you need not worry. Many bakeries prepare homemade baklava with an irresistible taste and deliver it right to your doorstep. The harmony of nuts, sweet, and honey makes it perfect to munch on in the feeling of tiredness or anxiety. Hence, add a touch of heaven with the sweet baklava.
Protein with eggs – Rich in protein, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D – This is the perfect definition of the next mood-boosting food item: eggs. They contain loads of choline (a nutrient that enhances the mood). Let us tell you that the brain is vulnerable to oxidative damage. Hence, consuming eggs or antioxidant food help in protecting and preserving the brain, thereby leading to a positive mood. You can consume them in many ways:-
- Mix it with other green vegetables.
- Making an omelette of them.
- By boiling them.
- Using them in the baking process.
Carefree coffee – One of the most recognized drinks in the world, coffee makes the world a happier place to live in. The level of caffeine in it prevents the occurrence of the compound named adenosine as it promotes tiredness. Moreover, coffee releases mood-boosting neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. Let us look at one fact! In a study, 72 people were there. It was found out that both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee has a role to play in improving the mood compared to a placebo beverage. Therefore, grab a cup of coffee and be carefree.
Savoury Almonds – Almonds are a great source of Vitamin-E, Vitamin B2, and magnesium. Vitamin E works as an antioxidant that helps in combating free radical damage in the brain and is also linked with improved memory. You can munch them as a snack or include them in your own dairy-free almond milk. What’s more, you can make almond pulp also. It also contains magnesium that contributes in developing serotonin. Having loaded with vitamin B2 makes it a vital food to bolster the immune system in distressing times.
Nutritious berries – When fresh, juicy and nutritious berries are there, what more do you need? Satisfying your taste buds with a bunch of berries can do wonders for you. Do you know that berries have a high level of anthocyanins that imparts purple-blue colour to them? As per research, a diet filled with anthocyanins reduces the risk of depression by 39%. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that protect your body against injury or infection.
Dark chocolate – Putting a bar of delectable chocolate to soothe the taste buds not only feels heavenly but is also a trigger to happiness. It works as an instant source of fuel for the brain. Furthermore, dark chocolates are best in promoting healthy flavonoids, which increases the blood flow to the brain and also reduces inflammation. Dark chocolates have a lower content of added sugar. Plus, chocolates are also associated with a high hedonic rating. Now, what is a hedonic rating? In hedonic rating, the food items are rated on a scale ranging from “dislike extremely” to “like extremely”. Thus, its delightful taste and texture promote happiness. All of this leads to mood regulation.
Note: It is advisable to consume 1-2 small squares of it as it is a high-calorie food.
To sum it all up
Feeling blue sometimes is part and parcel of life. Everything is not under control, but you can take a few steps to beat this stress. And munching on your favourite food can definitely help you with that. Try out some of the foods mentioned above, and we are sure that you will experience the best time. Plus, it will kick-start the positivity in your routine. After all, Hippocrates was right when he said
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”
