1. Green vegetables
When it comes to feeling good, nothing beats greens. Dark green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach are a rich source of vitamin C and magnesium.
These are the two important elements in the conversion of tryptophan and tyrosine amino acids to serotonin and dopamine - neurotransmitters responsible for the feeling of joy.
2. Nuts and seeds
The power of nuts and seeds should never be underestimated. Flaxseed, chia, hemp, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, cashews are just a small part of the great wealth, which is a source of good mood, but also of omega-3 fatty acids.
One of the highest natural sources of tryptophan is a few handfuls of cashews a day. And let's not forget the king of nuts, almonds, which contain zinc (an essential nutrient for maintaining a balanced mood), iron (which reduces mental fatigue) and healthy fats (which reduce anxiety).
3. Blueberries
Blueberries are considered a superfood and not by coincidence. These small, round bites of sweetness are excellent for anxiety relief. Rich in vitamins, phytonutrients (plant nutrients) and various anti-stress antioxidants, blueberries are the perfect snack to activate happy messages in the brain.
4. Cocoa
It's no secret that eating high-quality dark chocolate makes you feel good, right? This is because the body harnesses the benefits of cocoa, the raw ingredient that gives chocolate its flavor and color. Famous for promoting well-being, cocoa contains phenylethylamine (the same chemical generated by the brain when you fall in love), which causes the release of endorphins.
5. Foods with vitamin B
Low levels of B vitamins (B1, B3, B6, B9, B12) have been shown to contribute to a bad mood. A strong source of B vitamins is essential for lasting happiness.
Such vitamin-rich foods include legumes, nuts, seeds, brown rice, oatmeal, dark green vegetables (such as spinach and broccoli) and nutritional yeast. Vitamin B12 is found in organic animal products (fish and dairy).
6. Bananas
Full of energy, vitamin B6, tryptophan, iron, magnesium and potassium, plus it's a natural probiotic, high in fiber and blood sugar regulator, bananas are the bomb! In fact, eating a banana for breakfast in the morning will provide the body with enough magnesium (a stress reducer) for the whole day.
7. Foods with vitamin D
Increased intake of vitamin D can improve mood by boosting production of the happy hormone serotonin. Vitamin D can be found in oily fish, coconut milk, almond milk and mushrooms.
8. Complex carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates such as chickpeas, lentils, nuts, oats, brown rice, potatoes, corn, whole grains, bananas, and starchy vegetables promote serotonin production (unlike simple carbohydrates, which are known to cause mood swings).
9. Poppy root
Even the ancient Incas used poppy powder to relieve stress. Rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium, it is also a good source of minerals such as magnesium and iron (two important nutrients for controlling anxiety), zinc, iodine and vitamins B1, B2, C and D.
10. Spirulina
Spirulina is one of the most nutritious products on the planet! And if that's not enough, spirulina contains calcium, magnesium, folic acid, vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K and antioxidants. On a biochemical level, spirulina is a greenhouse for happiness.
Loaded with happiness!
