Go banana over bananas

Are cheerful snacks a thing? Food should make us happy? 

Happiness gurus have figured out a way. There are certain foods that have the capacity to make us feel better. Why? Because of their chemical composition. We all are well versed with the effect of hormones and neurotransmitters on our moods. Let me explain it all a little better. 

There are two types of neurotransmitters that regulate our mood: inhibitory and excitatory. Think of it as a light switch. When you turn on the switch, excitatory neurotransmitters stimulate our mind and bodies. After a long day when we turn the switch off, the inhibitory neurotransmitters exert a calming influence on our minds. We are at our best when there is a balance between the two. Serotonin and GABA are your two main mood enhancing friends. 

Just one point that needs to be highlighted, there's a huge difference between foods that can physically affect our brain chemistry and foods that just make us feel good. We are focusing on psychological happiness.

Foods for our happiness basket, according to science

1. Dark chocolate

We have all seen those valentine’s day advertisements where the girl feels joyous after eating chocolate or a typical movie scene where a disheartened girl sits on her couch in sweats, eating a tub of chocolate ice cream. There is some truth in these visuals. Various researches confirm that dark chocolate can positively affect one's mood. The answer is in the chemical composition if it. Chocolate contains tryptophan, theobromine and phenylethyl alanine which are directly associated with the feeling of happiness. Tryptophan is an amino acid that gets converted into serotonin. Phenylethyl alanine helps in the production of dopamine whereas theobromine is a mood stimulant. 

Dark chocolate, checked.

‍2. Coffee

This one is for the 1 billion coffee drinkers in the world. We can rightfully say that coffee makes our world better, one cup at a time. Numerous studies conclude that coffee when taken in moderation has significant positive effects on our mood and productivity.  A 2008 study concluded that short-term effects of caffeine consumption include enhanced mood and alertness. A 2016 meta analysis summarized that coffee consumption is positively correlated with decreased risk of depression. 

All the more reasons to go on a coffee date now. 

‍3. Spinach 

Popeye was onto something when he gulped that jar of greens. A green friend for our basket will be spinach. Spinach contains tryptophan, an amino acid which gets converted into serotonin. It has magnesium which is a sleep booster and helps in keeping anxiety at bay. Spinach is our sleep and feel good partner.

Researchers all over the world swear on its antioxidant properties and rate it a must for diabetic patients. 

A lot of convincing reasons to chew on spinach. What do you think?

‍4. Bananas

Just like all the other foods, bananas won’t shake hands directly with the neurotransmitters. Instead it will make its way through vitamin B6. They are high in vitamin B6, which helps synthesize feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. So, why do bananas make us happy? Because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into

serotonin, known to make us relax and improve our mood. 

‍5. Fermented foods

The link between fermented foods and good mood is not obvious. We have established that serotonin is necessary for feeling good. Foods that undergo the fermentation process, produce probiotics that support the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. Interesting fact, up to 90% of serotonin is produced in our gut. Therefore, eating fermented foods promotes better serotonin production.
Being healthy = being happy. 

‍6. Avocado

Owning a house or having better mental health? Millennials choose the latter. This smooth and creamy fruit contains a combination of niacin, folate and vitamins B5 that helps our nervous system to function at its best. A 2019 controlled study showed that a brief diet intervention can reduce symptoms of depression. Folate in avocados prevents excessive deposition of homocysteine so that our body can produce serotonin and dopamine. Consequently, we sleep more soundly, feel more rested and energetic throughout the day, and have a better mood.

Received enough motivation to eat one avocado per week. 

‍7. Berries

All berries viz raspberries, strawberries and even blackberries are a rich source of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps in combating stress. Berries have a high content of antioxidants known as flavonoids. Combine that with Vit. C, your anti anxiety squad is ready. According to science, berries also prevent age related memory loss and activate brain pathways associated with better cognition and less cellular aging. Some studies on blueberries and blueberry juice claim that they are associated with having a more positive mood.
Blueberry muffin or berry blast milkshake will be a part of my cheat day. 

Food and mood have an interesting relationship. Overindulging and under indulging in certain foods can have an opposite effect. In order to be really happy, have a basket that has a mix of nutrient-packed foods and comfort foods. Being mindful of what, how and when is the key to boosting our happiness ratio. 

Let us help you transform, happily and healthily!