John Myers
It’s no secret that a good meal can reduce a bad mood. But is there some kind of lucky formula behind it, as the mood food trend claims? We get to the bottom of the question.
Cheerful recipes: Mood Food
“Food for the mood” is a nutrition trend that is making waves, especially in the food influencer scene. The idea behind it: foods with certain ingredients should improve mood. In particular, the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is contained in chocolate, among other things, would act as a happiness hormone. The expert knows that what we take in through the intestines does not automatically have an effect on the brain. The question “Does chocolate make you happy?” can nevertheless be affirmed. On the one hand, the candy triggers a feeling of well-being simply because of its taste, on the other hand, it affects the “reward system”. Serotonin and the precursor tryptophan are also found in many other foods, so the definition of mood food is broad. So it can be worth adding more serotonin-rich recipes to your diet.
The stars among mood food products
Especially in the dark season, many are not exactly in high spirits. The lack of brightness makes us tired and listless: a phenomenon known as winter depression. In any case, it can’t hurt to cook something good during this time. Even better: Choose foods as ingredients that can have a positive effect on the release of endorphins or improve mood through psychological effects. In addition to sweets, these include:
- Fatty sea fish – due to the high content of vitamin D;
- hot spices like ginger and chili – they promote endorphin production;
- Bananas – are rich in tryptophan;
- Berries, especially blue ones, contain flavonoids that, according to one study, may have a mood-enhancing effect;
- Real Vanilla – Reputed to help release serotonin;
- Nuts – promote relaxation due to their high magnesium content and have nerve-strengthening B vitamins;
- Complex carbohydrates, such as those found in whole grain products, help the body increase tryptophan levels.
Eat, move, relax: the all-encompassing formula for happiness
In addition to the frequent integration of your personal Mood Food feel-good recipes into everyday life, there are other measures that drive bad moods away. Walks or sports in nature provide us with oxygen, UV light, and other substances that are still the subject of research. Terpenes, which plants secrete as messenger substances, are said to reduce stress. Forest bathing, which is popular in Japan and now also in this country, does not only have a positive effect from a subjective point of view. Our other tips against spring tiredness will help you – together with mood food on the plate – to alleviate low moods.
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