Did you know that certain foods can actually have an effect on your mood? I didn’t until recently when I was trying to think of what to give out at our first Happster meet up. I wanted to give something that people would not just enjoy eating, but also positively affects their mood.
Here are my main findings about mood-boosting foods:
Vitamin B
- These vitamins are also called “anti-stress vitamins”
- They balance your mood and can help ease your anxiety
- Some foods with vitamin B include asparagus, nuts, brown rice, bananas, and beans
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- They are known to be brain-boosting and help keep anger in check
- There have been studies that show they may help fight depression
- Some foods with omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, sardines, flax seeds and walnuts
Vitamin D
- Vitamin D regulates serotonin, dopamine and other mood hormones
- Studies have shown vitamin D can help combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Some foods with vitamin D include fortified milk and orange juice, sardines, eggs, mushrooms, salmon and tuna
Phenylethylamine
- Phenylethylamine is a mild alkaloid stimulant that your body produces as a byproduct of the amino acid phenylalanine
- They lift your mood, perception and awareness
- Some foods with Phenylethylamine include chocolate, eggs, soybeans, nuts and seeds
I don’t know about you, but I was particularly happy to see chocolate on the list of happy foods! I’m just scratching the surface with mood-boosting foods and am sure there is a much longer list than I’ve provided here.
Are there any foods that boost your mood?
Not an official Happster yet? Get free happy notes here: http://tinyurl.com/imahappster
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Sources:
omega-3 fatty acids: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=84
Mood Boosting Foods: http://www.elliekrieger.com/mood-boosting-foods
The Top 10 Natural Sources of Vitamin D in Food: http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/sources-of-vitamin-d-in-foods#slide-5
Foods with Phenylethylamine: http://www.livestrong.com/article/528433-foods-with-phenylethylamine
Top Ten Happy Foods: http://health.yahoo.net/experts/joybauernutrition/top-ten-happy-foods
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