There is nothing like having one of our favorite “pick-me-up” meals whenever we are having a bad day, as they can immediately make us feel better and continue with our day. Whether it is a slice of our favorite cake, a plate of homemade soup, even the classic mac-and-cheese, these foods can help us improve our mood almost immediately, and work pretty much every time. However, there are many different kinds of foods that have been proven to make us feel happier, with research available to support this fact. These are some of them.
One of the best ways to keep ourselves healthy and happy is by adding food that is rich in probiotics into our diet. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can bring a lot of benefits to our body and our brain. Several studies have shown that probiotics-rich diets not only have a positive impact on our digestive system, but they also improve our moods by reducing our negative thoughts significantly. Some examples of probiotics-rich foods include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, and kimchi.
We cannot deny that having a diet that is rich in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables is the best way to keep ourselves healthy. Another amazing benefit of having such a diet is that it will definitely improve the way we feel, giving us more energy, keeping us calm, and allowing us to develop a greater sense of happiness. Unsurprisingly, several studies have shown that the more fruits and vegetables we consume, the more benefits for our mental health we will enjoy.
Last week we talked about some of the benefits that come from Portobello mushrooms, including how they are great for reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. This is because mushrooms are rich in an essential mineral called selenium, which is an antioxidant that can help us regulate our mood. Mushrooms also give our bodies plenty of vitamin D, which scientists have found to work incredibly effectively when treating patients with seasonal affective disorder, for example.
Many of us like to give ourselves every once in a while, and chocolate tends to be a popular choice for those looking to get over having a bad day. The reason why this delicious treat has remained as one of the most effective mood-boosting foods is that chocolate helps your blood vessels walls to relax. This, as a result, lowers our blood pressure and improves circulation. Besides, studies have found that having a daily intake of an ounce and a half of dark chocolate can significantly reduce our levels of stress hormones.
Lastly, we have something that is more of a drink, but quite an effective one when it comes to boosting our mood. Coffee is, for many of us, the fuel that keeps us going through our everyday tasks, and the number of benefits that come from it is simply amazing. Consuming coffee in the morning has been linked to increased levels of energy, kindness, and pleasure. Also, sharing coffee with our friends or relatives has been linked to an increased sense of affection, stronger friendships, satisfaction, and overall good nature.
