Imagine after you’ve had a bad day on the way home and had to wade through traffic jams for hours. What a wonderful aroma when opened the door dishes are prepared to welcome you. Instantly the mood was improved. Food does have the ability to affect your mood. But it depends on how you use it. There are certain foods that will add to the positive in your mind and there are also some foods that will produce the opposite effect! Before collecting a list of foods that can restore the mood, consider the role of each of the neurotransmitters contained in these foods:
- Serotonin
Serotonin is derived from triptopan (amino acids) and is released after you eat sugar and starch. The effect of serotonin is to increase the mood, soothe and reduce depression. Increased serotonin levels will satisfy the desire to snack as well as appetite control.
- Epinephrine and Dopamine
These neurotransmitters derived from amino acid tyrosine and released after the intake of protein such as meat, poultry, dairy products and nuts. The function of this neurotranasmiter is to increase alertness and mental focus.
Food tips for improving your mood:
- Eat healthy carbs
Carbohydrates are not always bad. Consider a strict diet and avoid all kinds of carbohydrates. They will look bored, depressed, and anxious. Contributing factor is the lack triptopan. Triptopan is a nonessential amino acid that is released after carbohydrate is consumed. This compound will enter the brain and serotonin release, which has a calming effect. But that does not mean you have to eat carbs without monitor your intake. Eat complex carbohydrates instead of sweets and cakes.
- Sources of omega-3 fatty acids
Several recent studies have shown that polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-3 found in fish, flaxseed, and walnuts that can help prevent depression. The other effect is to protect the heart.
- Avoid crash diets
Some burn fat Diet causes depression and mood swings. Intemperance is more common in people who restrict their carbohydrate intake. Therefore the best way to improve your mood is to have the amount of carbohydrates and omega-3 fatty acids. The process of gradual weight loss will also bring stability and prevent mood swings.
- Start with a healthy breakfast
Several studies have shown that healthy people who eat breakfast have a better mood; memories are stronger and have more energy throughout the day. So eat a healthy breakfast consisting of grain carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats are very important to stay cheerful throughout the day.
- Foods rich in selenium. Selenium also acts as a mood enhancer. A study by Texas Tech University has suggested that selenium supplementation helps treatment of depression. In the same study, intake of little selenium associated with a bad mood. Foods that are rich in selenium include nuts and seeds, lean meats, seafood, grains, and low fat dairy products in your diet.
- Low caffeine
Caffeine does help keep you on the night but definitely change your mood the next day. Individuals who are sensitive to caffeine may experience depression.