What You Need to Know: Serotonin is brain chemical believed to promote calmness and happiness. There are some foods that can increase the production of serotonin and other minerals which may make you feel good.
1) Walnuts: A recent Spanish study found that those who ate a daily 1-ounce combo of walnuts, hazelnuts, and almonds had more of the feel-good substance serotonin than a nut-free group. Walnuts are good for your brain too. It can increase your memory power.
2) Asparagus: A low level of folate is linked to depression. Asparagus contains a high level of folic acid and tryptophan. Tryptophan can stimulate production of serotonin in the brain. So asparagus may a good choice to add in to your diet if you fell a bit down.
3) Fatty fish: Omega 3 fatty acids may help to fight depression. When it comes to omega-3 fatty acids, no food source is better than fatty fish like mackerel, bluefish, wild salmon, and tuna.
4) Dark chocolate: Dark verity of chocolates can boost your mood by stimulating the production of serotonin. It also relaxes the blood vessels (good for your heart).
5) Cashew nuts: Cashews are an especially good source of zinc. Low levels of zinc have been linked to both anxiety and depression. Since our bodies have no way of storing zinc, it’s important to get some every day.
6) Berries: Blueberries have some of the highest levels of an antioxidant known as anthocyanin. All berries are rich in vitamin C, which may help combat stress.
7) Eggs: The yolks are high in choline, a key nutrient required to make the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (it helps with signaling between memory-supporting neurons). Eggs are rich in zinc which may boost your energy.
8) Whole grains: Focus on healthy, high-fiber carbohydrates found in whole grains “Complex carbohydrates are wonderful foods to improve mood quickly,” says Debbie Mandel, a stress management expert and author of Addicted to Stress. “Whole grains, brown rice, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, and whole wheat pasta are all good choices. They help the body release serotonin.”
9) Bananas: The amino acid tryptophan helps your body make serotonin. Bananas may help with mild depression, as they bananas tryptophan. In addition, bananas provide vitamin B6.
Caveat: More than a bit sad? Please check in with a valued health provider. I’m Dr. Michael Hunter.
The small print: The material presented herein is informational only, and is not designed to provide specific guidance for an individual. Please check with a valued health care provider with any questions or concerns. As for me, I am a Harvard- , Yale- and UPenn-educated radiation oncologist, and I practice in the Seattle, WA (USA) area. I feel genuinely privileged to be able to share with you. If you enjoyed today’s offering, please consider clicking the follow button at the bottom of this page.
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Reference: http://www.liveitstronger.com/2014/10/foods-to-fight-depression-and-for-happiness.html
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