Food can have a positive effect on our mood and can make us feel happy so love for food is real. Comfort foods, such as chocolate or a warm bowl of soup, can release pleasure-inducing chemicals in the brain, providing a temporary boost in mood.
Eating a balanced diet:
It includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods can help to maintain overall physical and mental well-being. Study shows that it can contribute to a sense of happiness on a long run.
Some examples of happy food:
Some examples of foods that are believed to have a positive effect on mood include:
- Chocolate: contains phenylethylamine which helps to release endorphins, the “feel-good” chemicals in the brain.
- Fish: rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and improve brain function.
- Berries: high in antioxidants. It can help to reduce inflammation and protect the brain from damage.
- Nuts and seeds: contain mood-boosting minerals like zinc and magnesium.
- Whole grains: rich in complex carbohydrates which help to regulate blood sugar levels. It also provides a steady source of energy and helps to prevent the “crash” associated with eating refined sugars.
- Leafy greens: high in folate, a B vitamin that has been linked to a positive mood and reduced risk of depression.
- Fermented food item: for example yogurt, kefir and kimchi have probiotics in abundance. These food items can help maintain a healthy gut and improve overall physical and mental well-being.
- Spices: such as turmeric, ginger, and cayenne pepper contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to boost mood and reduce stress.
Importance of having a balanced diet that makes you happy:
It’s important to note that everyone’s body is different and what works for one person may not work for another. We all might have the same love for food but our bodies do not. Eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods is key for maintaining overall physical and mental well-being. It’s important to also have balanced diet.
However, it is important to note that food should not be relied on as a primary source of happiness or a solution for long-term emotional well-being. Eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy relationship with food can help to support overall physical and mental health. On the other hand, it should not replace other strategies for addressing emotional or mental health issues.