Monday, 5 November 2012

Feeling low? Try happy food Deepika Sahu

Are you feeling cranky and a little bit low? Or you are having a bad hair day office? Then don't lose sleep over it. Apart from finding ways to fix your problem, try these comfort foods to make you happy.  Research maintains that food rich in omega-3 fats, folic acid and vitamin B12 can lift one's mood. 

Chocolate:  Dark chocolates, milkchocolates...well you can count people who don't like chocolates. Chocolate can help brighten our mood. The sugar in chocolate also boosts our levels of endorphins, another hormone that makes us happy. Don't eat too much, though. 

Bananas: Just go bananas when you are feeling low and see the difference. Bananas are easily available and quite affordable too. Move over the saying an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Now experts believe that bananas are great mood elevators.  Bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin. And we know that serotonin is a hormone that makes us cheerful. Bananas also boost our energy level. 

Milk, preferably skim milk : Milk products are rich in tryptophan, an amino acid our brain needs in order to make serotonin. Serotonin is a natural chemical that makes us happy and calm. Milk also contains antioxidants, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 that help fight stress and aging. 

Nuts:  Nuts are rich in protein, minerals (especially selenium), and omega-3 fats. Nuts also contain vitamin E, an antioxidant to fight stress. Apart from lifting our mood, nuts are considered as "brain food" because of their high content of omega-3 fats. Omega-3 helps improve the blood flow in our brain. Eat fistful of nuts every day. 

Coffee:  Caffeine is probably the world's most popular mood-enhancing drink. But it has its pros and cons. Coffee boosts your energy levels, makes you feel more alert, and can improve your memory. However, too much coffee can also spoil your sleep and cause anxiety. So, coffee in limited cups is good for you. 

Finally, if you crave for food cooked by your mother then it's your comfort food. If a pizza can lift up your mood, go for it. But don't fall victim to fast food and unhealthy food in the name of elevating your mood. 
  

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