When the annoying cold of December reminds of itself with gloomy skies, temperatures below freezing and prickly scarves, all that remains is to wrap yourself in a blanket and indulge in melancholy.
Therefore, it is at this time of the year that it is so important and necessary to feel happy. And this is possible, because there are products that can improve your mood. There is a close relationship between what we eat and how we feel.
When we eat certain foods, our happiness hormones are activated - serotonin, dopamine and other related substances.
For example, such as the amino acid tryptophan. Found in some foods, it increases serotonin levels in the body and improves well-being. Since serotonin is produced on warm, sunny days, it's no surprise that we need an increased dose of happiness especially in winter.
Large amounts of tryptophan are found in bananas , nuts , dates, and cheese . Red and black caviar are also great.
Great news for those with a sweet tooth: chocolate really improves your mood. This is due to the high content of beneficial tryptophan. And the magnesium present in it increases resistance to stress and has a calming effect. Perhaps you should still stock up on a couple of tiles, just in case?
Spicy lovers are also among the satisfied people, especially after directly eating spicy foods such as chili peppers . Acuity causes a mild pain response in our brain, which contributes to the production of "happiness hormones" - endorphins. As a result, good mood and high spirits are guaranteed.
Another group of nutrients that make us happy are omega-3 fatty acids.
Foods rich in omega-3 not only make you feel better, but are also very important for the functioning of our body. These unsaturated fatty acids are involved in the proper functioning of the brain and the production of serotonin. A lack of them can lead to depression and apathy. Since our body cannot fully synthesize omega-3 on its own, it is highly recommended to consume foods rich in this substance. These include avocados , flaxseed oil , fish, and walnuts .
Good news for those who prefer seafood and vegetables, they are high in the amino acid tyrosine. This amino acid stimulates the production of dopamine and norepinephrine. Thus, tyrosine improves mood and has antidepressant effects. Oysters, salmon, tuna, spinach, strawberries will dilute the gloom of December, adding a little more joy that we deserve on cold days.