Foods that boost your happiness

March 17, 2015

Dark Chocolate

Chocolates, in general are loaded with chemicals that enhance mood, seratonin in particular, whose release is triggered when chocolate is consumed. It also said that chocolate contains some of the same mood-enhancing chemicals, found in marijuana albeit in smaller quantities. Dark chocolate is especially good as it contains a higher percentage of cocoa and less sugar than milk chocolate. The anti-oxidants and flavanoids present in dark chocolate help reduce blood clot formation, cancer and heart disease.

And since too much of anything is bad, dark chocolate too should be eaten in moderation, especially by those those who are watching their weight.

Yogurt

Besides being a good source of protein, calcium and vitamin B12, yogurt also contains a whole lot of useful bacteria. It is good for digestion and stomach infections, and helps improve the body’s immune system. So, if you’re craving for something sweet, try out a bowl of yogurt with a spoon of honey added to it. It will make you happy and keep you healthy too.

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes help in reducing stress levels as they satisfying the body’s craving for carbohydrates and sweets. Instead of demolishing a pastry or cheesecake, eat roasted or boiled or mashed sweet potatoes. Because they are rich in beta-carotene, vitamins and fibre, sweet potatoes help the body to process the carbohydrates gradually, thus releasing the sugar slowly and keeping you happier for longer.

Nuts

Various nuts like almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts and even peanuts are packed with vitamins an nutrients. Almonds are known to contain serotonins, Vitamin E, vitamin B2 also known as Riboflavin and anti-oxidants that improve the immune system. They are also known to cut down down the harmful effects of stress. The next time you’re feeling down, help yourself to some crunchy nuts.

Water

Though water cannot be classified as a food item, it plays a crucial role in the smooth functioning of the body. Drinking lots of water is essential to maintain good skin, hair and eyes. And why is that important? Because when you look good, you also feel good. Lack of sufficient consumption of water leads to dehydration and even a small case of dehydration can cause stress. So, drink up!

Oranges

Oranges are a rich source of vitamin C containing up to 1000 mg of it. They also contain anti-oxidants which prevent the formation of free radicals that cause cell damage. When the body is stressed, it releases even more free radicals than usual. Therefore, vitamin C offers the body protection from their harmful effects. Incidentally, Vitamin C is a proven immune system booster.

Green vegetables

You may not like the look of green vegetables but they have a lot to offer in terms of health benefits. Broccoli is packed with Vitamin B and folic acid. It provides stress relief, helps enhance mood with regard to depression, panic, anxiety and other emotional disorders. Many green veggies contain potassium which greatly helps calm one’s nerves when stressed. Also, a diet rich in green vegetables helps the body feel lighter and feel great.

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