Eating good food makes us happy, yes, but eating well and healthy makes that feeling of pleasure and well-being last even longer and is not only limited to the moment of putting the snack in your mouth.
Experts assure that there are certain foods capable of improving mood and combating sadness and depression. This is because certain nutrients are involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters (substances involved in neuronal signaling and nerve transmission).
If you tend to feel sad and discouraged, you are not necessarily going to solve it exclusively with food, but nature is wise and can help you. First of all, if your sadness is daily and you are unable to recover, the ideal is to consult a specialist.
Meanwhile, if what you want is simply to improve your quality of life and get what you eat to help you stay in good spirits and happy, I have good news for you: certain foods have that power.
Food and its relationship with well-being or depression
According to the prestigious Mayo Clinic, people who often eat junk food tend to have a tendency to suffer from depression. Foods with saturated fats, sweets, fried and processed foods, are responsible for making depression and sadness can stomp.
Meanwhile, people who eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fish tend to have lower rates of depression and other diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes and heart disease.
We are what we eat
Some foods help the body to secrete hormones such as serotonin or endorphins, which cause feelings of happiness and well-being. According to a study, there are certain foods that effectively improve the symptoms of depression.
Thus, researchers came up with a list of essential nutrients for the brain, such as omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, magnesium, calcium and vitamins E, D, B1, B9 and B12, whose consumption could mitigate emotional disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Serotonin is the neurotransmitter responsible for making us feel happy. If the body does not find it in normal amounts, it can lead to disorders such as anxiety, depression or sadness. To produce serotonin, the body must ingest tryptophan, an amino acid that it is not able to produce by itself, so we have to get it from some foods such as eggs, nuts, or fish.
To get to the point, we will introduce you to those foods that will help you to alleviate the symptoms of sadness and will infuse you with good energy and good spirits. Remember to consult your doctor.
- Lean meats
Chicken and lean meats in general have tryptophan, a key amino acid for the secretion of serotonin. Regular intake of lean meats in our diet will result in a greater sense of well-being and happiness.
- Green tea
This type of tea is rich in antioxidants and possesses an essential amino acid: the anine, whose relaxing action decreases stress and anxiety and prevents depression. A cup of green tea a day brings multiple benefits to the body, in addition to avoiding the feeling of discouragement and sadness.
- Dark chocolate
Besides being very rich, chocolate provides antioxidants that mitigate the action of free radicals and stimulate the production of serotonin. Of course, always in moderate amounts and choosing healthy options, low in sugar and fat-free.
- Nuts
Consuming a few walnuts a day will favor the mood due to the presence of monounsaturated fatty acids, also very beneficial for the heart. By consuming this delicious nut you will increase your energy levels, feel less apathy, improve concentration and have greater optimism.
- Turmeric
Turmeric is a powerful antidepressant whose antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are excellent. Turmeric, besides being an ally to improve memory and mood, helps prevent diseases and emotional problems.
- Quinoa
It is “the sacred food” and one of the most complete, excellent for multiple body functions. It is a source of protein, fiber, carbohydrates and healthy fats. It contains tryptophan, which helps to overcome depression and improves mood.
Eat healthy to feel good and happy
It is true that eating tasty things and everything we like makes us feel good and at ease. But the consequences can be serious if we do not manage the volume of intake of these foods.
Therefore, moderation is always recommended. Your body is your temple and you must take care of it. Avoid foods that can cause serious health problems. Take advantage of this list and try to incorporate into your daily diet all the healthy foods that will bring great benefits to your life.
