We all have bad days, those days when we end up in front of the fridge, searching for unhealthy foods that, at least in theory, can make us feel better. Ice cream may seem like the perfect choice to relieve stress after a tiring day at the office or at home, but its ingredients actually don't help the body recover. However, there are five foods that offer us this opportunity.
The difference between these foods and others is that they contain nutrients and substances such as tryptophan, an amino acid that, once consumed, is converted into neurotransmitters such as serotonin. This “happy chemical” helps improve mood and reduce anxiety and fatigue. In addition, B vitamins, also found in these foods, significantly improve mood, while iron plays an important role as a stabilizer.
One of the foods richest in these substances are nuts. They contain a lot of magnesium and selenium, as well as tyrosine, an amino acid that helps produce dopamine. A few nuts included every day in our diet are ideal for keeping the body alive and energetic.
Also, don't forget bananas. This delicious fruit is rich in potassium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin C, and helps us relax and sleep better if we consume it in the evening.
Oats are another great ingredient that can be used in many ways in your daily diet. Its carbohydrates help the body absorb iron and vitamin B6 better. Also, due to its low glycemic index, oats help us feel fuller for longer and avoid sudden mood swings that come with hunger.
Yogurt, on the other hand, is perfect for combining with all these ingredients. In addition to calcium, it also contains probiotics that help in good intestinal function and positively affect mood. A breakfast or snack with yogurt, nuts, bananas and oats is an ideal meal to start the day with energy and good mood.
Finally, fresh cherries are another great food that, among other things, can help with headaches. Although we only find them during the spring, the rest of the foods mentioned are available all year round, giving us a full 365 opportunities to improve our mood through good food.
