Many people are constantly looking for more peace and happiness. Yet, we often do things that achieve the exact opposite... think of long workdays, not setting boundaries, and unhealthy eating. And that's despite the fact that you can indirectly boost your happiness through nutrition! So, if you often wonder, how can food make you happier? You can read all about it in this blog!
How can food make you happier?
Nutrition plays a powerful role in regulating our emotions and enhancing our sense of happiness. Various neurotransmitters, such as endorphins, serotonin, and GABA, affect how you feel. These neurotransmitters can, in turn, be activated by the food you eat, so take advantage of this! Below, we discuss some foods you should avoid and some foods to regularly add to your meals.
Foods to avoid
Preferably avoid the following foods, or consume them in moderation.
1. Sugar and processed foods
Sugar and processed foods cause rapid spikes and drops in your blood sugar levels, which can lead to mood swings and energy dips. Therefore, avoid sugary snacks, soft drinks, and fast food as much as possible.
Read here what happens in your body and brain when you eat sugar.
Would you like to stabilize your blood sugar level? Then read this blog for tips!
2. Caffeine
A daily cup of good, organic coffee is not bad in itself and can even have positive health effects. However, in combination with caffeine sensitivity or stress, coffee can actually cause extra overstimulation and complaints such as anxiety and sleep problems.
Do you often feel restless or agitated after a cup of coffee? Then try the following to experience fewer negative effects from caffeine:
- Only consume coffee on a full stomach
- Switch to decaf occasionally
- Make sure you also drink enough water
3. Alcohol
Do you also feel sad, anxious, or depressed after an evening of drinking alcohol? Alcohol consumes extra neurotransmitters in your brain that make you happy, such as dopamine and serotonin. That's why you feel extra euphoric when you're tipsy or drunk, but the next day you feel mentally extra bad because your brain needs time to replenish these neurotransmitters.
Things you experience with a mental hangover ('hangxiety'):
- You can no longer put things into perspective
- You can process fewer stimuli
- You are anxious or feel stressed
- You are sad or depressed
- You get angry more easily
This unpleasant feeling is all a consequence of the intense effect of alcohol on both your brain and the rest of your body. Do not underestimate this effect. Even with 'occasional' drinking, your brain takes a hit, and it takes days (!) before it can function normally again.
Food for a feeling of happiness
How can food make you happier? By regularly consuming the following foods!
1. Garlic and onion
Garlic and onion are rich in minerals we need for a fit and healthy brain, including chromium. Chromium is crucial for the absorption of tryptophan, the precursor to the happiness hormone serotonin!
2. Lentils
Lentils contain a wealth of nutrients such as folic acid, manganese, copper, vitamin B1, proteins, and fiber. Lentils also stimulate the supply of tryptophan and thus the feeling of happiness.
3. Dark chocolate
Dark, 85% chocolate (or more) contains many antioxidants, and just one piece of dark chocolate a day already increases the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin.
Are you fond of cocoa? Then try our cocoa mix!
4. Cherry tomatoes
These tasty snack tomatoes derive their red color from lycopene, an ingredient that affects your happiness system. Preferably choose the organic variety.
5. Beets
A power veggie from our own country! Red beets contain nitrates, which dilate blood vessels. This allows blood to flow better to the brain, enabling it to function more effectively. The betaine in beets also supports the liver in removing toxins and reduces inflammation. The fewer inflammations in your body, the better the production of neurotransmitters and happiness hormones!
6. Apples
Just below the skin, you'll find many antioxidants in apples, which protect your brain from oxidative stress.
So, how can food make you happier? By nourishing your body and brain with the right nutrients! Would you like to read more about healthy food for your brain? Click here!
