Did you know that some foods can make you happy in addition to their nutritional benefits?
A recent scientific study by Chinese researchers identified ten foods that can boost your mood:
Fish
Bananas
Pampoules
Durum wheat bread
Spinach
Cherries
Garlic
Squash
Low-fat milk
Chicken
The study, published in the latest issue of the Chinese medical journal *Medical Research*, found that these foods not only provide the body with its daily energy needs but also contribute to feelings of happiness and help combat depression, a common ailment.
The study also indicated that people living near the sea tend to be happier than those living in inland areas, particularly mountainous regions. This is partly attributed to their higher fish consumption, as the omega-3 fatty acids found in deep-sea fish have similar effects to antidepressant medications, helping to calm nerves and increase serotonin levels.
Bananas contain a natural chemical compound called alkaloids, which can boost confidence. They are also a source of tryptophan and vitamin B6, both of which help the brain produce serotonin. Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which improves the body's resistance by maintaining red blood cell density and is a good stress reliever.
Whole wheat bread contains carbohydrates that increase serotonin production, and many antidepressants are primarily made from wheat flour. Spinach is rich in folic acid, and a deficiency in this acid directly leads to a decrease in serotonin, which can contribute to depression.
In the West, doctors call cherries "nature's aspirin" because they contain anthocyanins, which induce a feeling of well-being. Researchers assert that eating 20 cherries is more effective than some antidepressant medications. Garlic has also been shown in studies to be highly effective in reducing stress and calming anxiety and anger.
According to the study, pumpkin helps maintain a good mood because it is rich in vitamin B6 and iron, which convert stored sugar in the body into glucose, which in turn fuels the brain. Low-fat, skimmed milk completely eliminates any feelings of stress or fatigue thanks to its calcium content, while chicken is a major source of selenium, an essential element for the body.