Eating to Reduce Stress and Increase Happiness? Yes, this is a real thing!
Wouldn't it be a dream if eating could make you feel more happy and less stressed? Wouldn't it also be amazing if that feeling was caused by eating tasty foods that are *also* good for you? Well I've got some great news for you! There are plenty of foods out there that have been proven to make your brain happier and more relaxed. Indulge in these healthy brain foods that are also ridiculously yummy:
Dark chocolate
Let's start with a fun one: chocolate. Who doesn't like chocolate? If you say you don't, you're lying. And chocolate is even better now that we know it makes us happier!That Dark chocolate to be specific. Dark chocolate has plenty of health benefits, including easing emotional stress, according to a 2009 American Chemical Society trial.
Registered dietitian nutritionist Sonya Angelone said dark chocolate boosts mood because it raises endorphin levels. Angelone advises choosing the dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao.
Coconut
Coconut can be a fantastic way to keep yourself happy because of its high levels of triglycerides. These are fats that aid your mood and promote brain health. Be careful how you get your coconut dose though – coconut milk and coconut based desserts are quite unhealthy. Your best bet is unsweetened, natural pieces of coconut or coconut shavings.
Chilis
Not a fan of spicy food? That may change now we know spicy foods like chilis can make us happier. This is all thanks to a chemical compound called capsaicin, which is what gives chili peppers their heat. When you eat something spicy the capasicin attaches itself to the pain receptors in the mucous membrane of your mouth and nose. Subsequently, the brain is told that it’s in pain, so it releases endorphins. Maybe that’s why some people like spicy food so much?
Honey
You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar, and you catch more positive vibes with honey than with vinegar, too! Honey contains kaempferol and quercetin, chemicals which reduce inflammation int he brain and therefor helps to prevent depression. The sweet treat also has far less of an impact on your blood-sugar level, which means you won't have a sudden sugar crash that can leave you tired and depressed.
Avocado
Holy guacamole, avocado tastes delicious and it makes us happier? You got it. Tryptophan, an essential amino acid used by the brain to produce serotonin is abundant in avocados. They're also beneficial for your hair, skin, and nails. And we all know that when you look good, you feel good!
Berries
Blueberries, raspberries and strawberries have the nutrients anthocyanidins and anthocyanins which help reduce depression and stress.
So lets get eating* healthy!!
Article thank you to MUSLEY.