When we are sad, we often resort to sweets. But that doesn’t have to be the case: These foods are not only healthy, they also make you happy!
Who does not know it: The day was super exhausting, and the unnecessary argument with our partner also depressed us. Many people now reach into the candy drawer without thinking about it. No wonder: the sweet snacks give us an immediate good mood kick and quickly provide us with new energy. Unfortunately, our scales are usually less happy about the courageous reaching for cakes and co.: The sweet delicacies land on our hips faster than we would like.
Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be – some healthy foods will boost your mood!
Here are our top Healthy Foods
Salmon
We love salmon! Thanks to lots of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, it protects our heart above all. But our mood also benefits from it. Well done: For a meta-analysis, researchers compared 26 studies and found that people who eat a lot of fish have a much lower risk of depression. The pick-me-up from the sea should be on the menu at least once or twice a week.
Green Vegetables – Especially Avocado
Green vegetables such as spinach and the superfood avocado contain many essential folic acids, which belong to B vitamins. A low folic acid level has been linked to a higher risk of depression because, among other things, it has a direct effect on the production of the happiness hormone serotonin. So treat yourself to avocado slices in the morning on bread or spinach for lunch when you’re sad!
Bananas
Bananas have long been considered good mood makers: They contain a good amount of serotonin, which makes our mood levels soar. And on top of that, bananas are also super healthy: They give a lot of energy and contain a lot of potassium, which is essential for our heart and muscles, for example.
Blueberries
Berries are real powerhouses: they contain loads of healthy antioxidants that can scavenge free radicals and thus prevent inflammation in the body. Another important content: flavonoids, which are mainly found in blueberries. Studies show that these can improve mood. And on top of that, they are great as a delicious snack in between meals or as a topping for muesli, quark, and Co.
Yogurt Or Kefir
The intestines are becoming more and more critical when it comes to a healthy life. These considerations usually focus on prebiotics, which among other things, stimulate the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria. In a meta-analysis of ten studies, researchers found that prebiotics can have positive effects on depressive moods. That’s why prebiotic foods such as yogurt or kefir should be on your menu as often as possible!
Quinoa
Whole grain products such as quinoa or brown rice are full of fiber, which the body needs various processes and different B vitamins that our brains enjoy. In addition, B vitamins support the production of serotonin – and make us happy in no time at all. For an additional health boost, it is best to eat quinoa and the like in combination with vegetables for lunch.
Dark Chocolate
Last but not least, some good news: Sweet and healthy at the same time do not have to be mutually exclusive! Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content is a prime example of this. The phenylethylamines contained in it ensure that the happiness hormone serotonin is released. There are also plenty of flavonoids in dark chocolate, which, like blueberries, can generally lift the mood.
Also Read: Nerve Food: These Products Provide Concentration And Energy In Stressful Moments