5 Best Feel- Good Foods!
“The production of hormones like endorphins, serotonin and dopamine is essential for happy feelings and various factors trigger the synthesis of these hormones, the important ones being food, exercise and a person’s overall lifestyle”
We all whine on a daily basis about all the stressors in our lives and as a result, very few of us are happy and content. Stress invariably increases the production of catabolic hormones that have deleterious effects on the body.
The production of hormones like endorphins, serotonin and dopamine is essential for happy feelings and various factors trigger the synthesis of these hormones, the important ones being food, exercise and a person’s overall lifestyle. So, here’s the top five foods that stimulate the release of these feel-good hormones.
Feel- Good Foods
Dark Chocolate
Consuming four-five cubes of dark chocolate triggers the production of endorphins as well as serotonin. Endorphins elevate the mood and bring about a feeling of pleasure. Serotonin on the other hand, acts as an anti-depressant.
Milk
A complete protein package, milk is one of the richest sources of amino acids tryptophan. Adequate quantities of tryptophan in the blood, results in their uptake by the brain which further converts tryptophan into serotonin which is an important hormone for sleep regulation and insomnia prevention.
Nuts And Seeds
Most nuts and oilseeds are great sources of selenium and amino acid tyrosine, both of which boost the synthesis of dopamine that triggers pleasure as well as serotonin to soothe and calm the mind.
Amla
The synthesis of serotonin to yield feelings of satisfaction and relaxation from tryptophan is however, not an easy process and requires the participation of many nutrients including vitamin C. And amla is one of the richest sources of vitamin C.
Bell Peppers
Capsaicinoids are responsible for the spicy, burning sensation after consumption of red bell peppers or chillies. This sensation of pain and burning signals the brain to produce endorphins that act as the body’s natural way to relieve pain.
The levels of these hormones are often depleted due to vitamin-mineral deficiencies like B12, B6 and vitamin C, A, E to name a few. It is hence, advised that a balanced diet with all food groups should be consumed in order to acquire the benefits from all.
The other ways to naturally boost happiness levels is to indulge in laughter classes or to attend a comedy show, spend more time with friends and family and to be a part of group physical activity.