Written by: Angelika Varga, 15.02.2020
The withdrawal of social contacts, which has already been going on for several weeks now, is slowly putting pressure on our minds. Some even suffer from “corona blues”. How long can this low mood be withstood? To put an end to the feeling of depression, we have put together a list of 10 so-called happy foods that will help to put you in a good mood.
What does it actually take for certain foods to make us happy and satisfied?
Serotonin, a messenger substance for nerve cells, is, among other things, responsible for the fact that we feel happy. Our bodies produce it. Serotonin controls our feeling of satiety and ensures serenity, harmony and satisfaction. A serotonin deficiency, on the other hand, manifests itself in symptoms such as a depressed mood, anxiety, aggression and increased appetite. Therefore, it makes sense to maintain your serotonin level at an all time high. In order for the “happiness hormone” to be produced, the amino acid tryptophan is required, which can be found in everyday foods.
Here is the list:
In addition to tryptophan, the yellow tropical fruit also contains a lot of vitamins: A, B1, B2, B3, B5 and C and is therefore a really healthy mood-enhancer. It is ripe when the peel is covered with black dots and only then it tastes really sweet. Due to the high amount of magnesium, it also has an antispasmodic effect.
This local superfood is full of essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, which our body cannot produce by itself. They also have a positive effect on your digestive system because they swell up in the intestines. When crushed, it can be absorbed better by our body. Flaxseed oil is also a real miracle weapon against depression. It also lifts your mood and has the ability to increase mental performance.
The bread of the desert has a very high concentration of trace elements, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Not only your happiness benefits from the contained tryptophan. If dates are eaten towards the evening, they contribute to a deeper and generally better sleep. This makes them the perfect alternative to unhealthy sweets because unlike chocolate, they hardly contain any fat.
Strictly speaking, this “nut” is actually a fruit and with its healthy unsaturated fatty acids, protects the cardiovascular system when consumed in moderation. In stressful situations, they provide you with magnesium and the high tryptophan content creates an antidepressant effect as well.
The oldest cultivated plant in the world is a real miracle worker. Onions are used in naturopathy, among other things, for respiratory diseases such as coughs and runny nose. It also alleviates stomach and intestinal problems. The vapors often make us cry when we cook. However, it is precisely these essential oils that can inhibit inflammation and germs. Onion juice is known to help against anxiety and depression.
Chickpeas have a high tryptophan content and help keep you in a good mood. They are available pre-cooked in cans or dried. If dried, they need to be left to soak overnight, cooked and then made into stews or puree (hummus). They also contain iron, B vitamins and calcium. In addition, with 20g protein per 100g, it represents a high-quality vegetable protein source, which is ideal as a meat substitute.
This green berry is a real nutrient bomb. It is rich in healthy simple fatty acids, which our body uses for the production of hormones and can therefore bring the entire hormone system into balance if consumed regularly. As soon as the peel gives way to pressure, it is ripe and edible. The avocado also provides the important building material tryptophan to ensure a good mood.
This pseudo-grain, also called the Inca magic grain, amazes with its high content of protein, minerals and is also gluten-free. In addition, quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids and is therefore particularly valuable for those who do not eat meat. It is available in red, black and white variations and makes us happy because of its tryptophan content.
The fiery pod is one of the healthiest drugs in the world. Our body perceives its pungent taste as pain and, as a countermeasure, releases the happiness hormone endorphin, which causes a lot of happiness. Furthermore, their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects protect our body from bacteria and fungi.
The black gold is considered a classic among those foods that provide you with happiness. But what is it about the claim that chocolate makes you happy? Tryptophan can also be found in chocolate. However, only in a very low concentration, which is why it is assumed that chocolate makes you happy for different reasons. Rather, it is about psychology. Because most of us have learned from childhood to combine chocolate enjoyment with positive feelings, which is why we instantly feel happy by eating a piece.
All in all, we from STUWO recommend a balanced diet as well as exercise on a daily basis, ideally outdoors in the fresh air and in the sunshine in order to be in a good mood for a long period of time!
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