While many people pick the food that tastes better, there are also foods that help you feel happier. In fact, there are certain foods that can boost your spirits and help your body at the same time. What’s more interesting is that you may be surprised to learn about the happy and healthier food options available. In fact, you can even build a new diet around healthy food choices that help make you happy as well.

“There is no sincerer love than the love of food.” – George Bernard Shaw

What follows are 10 food choices that offer substantial benefits for your body and help boost your feelings of happiness as well.

Brazil Nuts

The effect of Brazil nuts on the thyroid function is similar to that of milk thanks to the selenium content. Selenium is a micronutrient that helps the body to function in the right manner and is mostly found in plant. What’s even more interesting is that selenium has an almost immediate effect on the body so you start to feel better right away. Plus, they provide a good natural boost of energy which makes them a great snack during the day.

Chilies

Many people do not think of spicy food as something that can make you happy, but chilies are exactly that. Chilies provide a greater sense of well-being thanks to a chemical known as capsaicin. This substance will attach itself to the pain receptors location in the mucous membrane in the mouth and nose. Because it activates the pain receptors endorphins are released. However, it does not cause any pain to occur which may be why so many people love to eat spicy foods like chilies.

Chocolate

There are a number of reasons why chocolate makes you feel better after it is consumed. The sweet taste is certainly a start, but it is really a combination of chemicals in chocolate called N-Acyclethanoloamine that helps boost your spirits. These chemicals cause the body to release endorphins which provide greater feelings of pleasure. So, you eat a little chocolate and you start feeling happy. This not only improves your mood, but it also helps maintain the cardiovascular system in the body as well.

However, there are limitations to the amount of chocolate that you should consume on a daily basis. Going with less than 7 grams per day seems to be about right since you get the boost without having to undergo the weight gain that the sugar brings.

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” ― Charles M. Schulz

Coconut

One of the natural foods that can be used to stay happy thanks to the high levels of triglycerides. Triglycerides are fats that help boost your mood and even promote good brain function. However, you will need to be mindful of how you consume the coconut in order to get the best effect. You will want to eat natural pieces or shavings of unsweetened coconut and not drink coconut milk or desserts that have coconut as an ingredient. By staying with the natural, unsweetened variety, your happiness will get the right boost.

“The two basic items necessary to sustain life are sunshine and coconut milk.” – Dustin Hoffman

Honey

Over the centuries, honey has been a favorite of many cultures for the simple reason that it helps people feel happier about themselves. Thanks to the quercetin and kaempferol found in honey, it can actually reduce inflammation in the brain which in turn helps prevent depression from occurring. Plus, while honey does contain sugar, it does not have the same effect as the processed kind which means that you will not suffer from a “sugar-crash” afterwards. So, instead of processed sugar products try a little honey instead.

Milk

Milk offers a number of excellent nutrients, but it also provides iodine which can help properly regulate the function of your thyroid. The thyroid regulates your body function thanks to the hormones being produced so when it is working properly you feel better. It also helps that there is plenty of whey protein in milk which helps calm the nerves. A glass or two of milk per day will certainly help you feel happier.

Pasta

While most people think that the carbohydrates in pasta help you gain weight, in truth it is the pasta created from wholegrains that are slow-burning which means you have energy for your entire day. By releasing the energy gradually, you will not only feel fuller and not snack, the protein content will help elevate your mood as well. You can thank the tryptophan and L-pheny-lalanine, two amino acids that release the endorphins which boosts your overall mood.

“Life is a combination of magic and pasta”. – Federico Fellini

Poultry

Both turkey and chicken contain amino acids which have shown to help boost your mood and maintain a happy feeling. Tryptophan helps make serotonin which provides a nice, mild sensation that can help you feel more relaxed. However, too much can make you feel tired and sluggish so watch how much is consumed. In addition, the tyrosine found in turkey and chicken helps you cope better with stress which means that you can enjoy a happier day as a result.

Salmon

Although most fish provide good nutrition and feelings of happiness, salmon in particular is excellent thanks to the high concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids will not only boost your mood as they address any mild depression that you might be feeling as well. In addition, the high levels of B12, a vitamin which helps produce serotonin is also quite handy as it provides another elevation of mood. Keep in mind that Omega-3 fish oil capsules offer the same result, so if you are not a fan of salmon or any fish this is an excellent substitute.

Spinach

While some may not think of spinach as a food to get all that excited about, the leafy greens and high folic content will help reduce symptoms of depression and address fatigue in a positive manner. It helps that spinach also contains plenty of magnesium which helps boost the levels of serotonin in the body. It’s little wonder that Popeye is a fan of spinach and you should be as well. Plus, unlike many other foods spinach can be eaten regularly without any ill effect. That means if there is ever a food where you can overindulge at least a little, spinach is the one.

“We all eat, and it would be a sad waste of opportunity to eat badly.” – Anna Thomas

 

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