“You are what you eat?”
Food can control mood, health and general equilibrium. We eat to survive. But for many, this is often confused with living to eat, creating weight gain and lack of confidence. Junk food and alcohol are considered acceptable in advertising campaigns but these temptations can increase levels of anxiety and depression. Stress can make you comfort-eat but can also cause a lack of appetite, is this something that can be dealt with through diet?
The foods listed below are thought by some to help emotions in a positive way, would you include any in your Top Ten Mood-Foods?
Seaweed
A great source of iodine that is required for metabolic function and will power you with energy and help your mood. Try it in a quiche or smoothie.
Coconut Oil
A versatile substance used from cooking to moisturizing skin. Coconut helps burn fat, fight off infection and is amazing for the complexion. It is thought that coconut oil improves brain function.
Coffee
The world’s most popular drink contains caffeine (which is a mild anti-depressant) and will give you an instant energy boost.
Sardines
Rich in Omega 3 fatty acids which elevate the mood and keep the brain healthy.
Walnuts
10 walnuts a day will help lower cholesterol levels and improve blood flow and can improve your general well-being.
Avocados
A true super-mood enhancer, packed with healthy fats to increase endorphins.
Bananas
All the vitamins and minerals in bananas raise serotonin levels and serotonin is the mood lifting hormone. Bananas also contain tryptophan – a compound that can aid sleep.
Chocolate
Choose organic, dark chocolate with a 70% or higher cocoa content. Containing caffeine and theobromine chocolate can improve brain function.
Chicken
Chicken is rich in tyrosine – an amino acid that helps the body cope with stress.
Berries
Full of antioxidants that promote positive energy and stimulate the production of feel-good enzymes. The high amount of antioxidants also prevent premature ageing.
Caroline James writes women’s feel-good fiction. Discover her books here:
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