If you think that a chocolate bar or glazed doughnut is enough to keep stress at bay, think again. The science on food and mood suggests that there are better feel-good treats than sugar-laden junk foods.

For starters, most popular comfort foods like ice cream and cookies do more harm than good. That sugar high you get from gorging on those foods can actually send your blood sugar and energy levels crashing hard after just a couple of hours, leaving you far more irritable and tired than before.

But just as some foods can have a negative effect on your mood and general disposition, experts find that certain foods, most of them rich in nutrients, can have the opposite effect, as previously noted. Here Joanne Washburn, Food.news, reflects on superfoods to boost your mood if you are feeling down:

“Feeling down? Eating certain superfoods might help. No food is a miracle cure for the blues, but research shows that eating a well-balanced diet featuring plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meat can do wonders for your body. Not only can these foods fill you up and give you energy, but they can also rejuvenate your body and help you feel your best.

The following foods have been shown to boost mood, reduce stress and ease anxious feelings:

Green tea – Green tea is traditionally known to support cognitive function and induce relaxation. Many studies on green tea show that tea constituents, such as caffeine, L-theanine and epigallocatechin gallate, can benefit mood and cognitive performance. Try drinking green tea instead of coffee in the morning.

Red bell pepper – Sweet red bell peppers pack more vitamin C than an orange. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that help reduce stress and fatigue and improve mood in humans. Raw red bell pepper slices make a delicious addition to a raw veggie tray. Whole red bell peppers also taste great right off the grill.

Walnuts – These brain-shaped nuts are some of the richest dietary sources of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that can stabilize your mood and regulate feelings of happiness. You can snack on walnuts as is or add them to your morning cereal, oatmeal, salad and yogurt.

Kefir – Kefir is a fermented milk drink similar to yogurt but is thinner in consistency. According to a study, consuming kefir could increase the production of a chemical messenger called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA produces a calming effect when it attaches to GABA receptors in the brain. This can help with feelings of stress and anxiety. Try mixing kefir into your favorite smoothies or pouring it over your cereal just like you would milk.

Okra – Okra is an excellent source of the magnesium and the essential amino acid, tryptophan. Magnesium can help soothe anxious feelings, while tryptophan is used by the body to create serotonin. If you can’t eat okra on its own, try adding it to hearty stews and soups.”

Read More … Article Source: https://www.food.news/2021-12-03-boost-your-mood-with-these-superfoods.html

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