When we are sad, we often resort to sweets. But that does not have to be: these foods are not only healthy, but also make you happy!
Who does not know: The day was super exhausting and the actually unnecessary dispute with the partner also depressed us. Many people now access the candy drawer without thinking about it. No wonder: the sweet snacks give us an immediate good-mood kick and provide us with new energy quickly. Unfortunately, our Libra is usually less likely to be over the courageous grip to cake and Co .: The sweet treats land faster on our hips, as we love.
Fortunately, that does not have to be – there are also some healthy foods that boost your mood! Here are our top 7:
1. Salmon
We love salmon! Thanks to a lot of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, it protects our heart. But our mood also profits from it. And neat: For a meta-analysis , researchers have compared 26 studies with each other and found out that people who eat a lot of fish, have a much lower risk of depression. At least once or twice a week, the pick-me-up from the sea should be on the menu.
2. Green vegetables – especially avocado
In green vegetables such as spinach, but also in the superfood avocado is a lot of important folic acid, which belongs to the group of B vitamins. A lower folic acid level is associated with a higher risk of depression because it has, among other things, direct effects on the production of the happiness hormone serotonin. So treat yourself to avocado slices in the morning on the bread or spinach for lunch, if you are sad!
3. Bananas
Bananas have long been considered a real good mood maker: they contain a good deal of serotonin, which really makes our mood level shoot up. And on top of that, bananas are also super healthy: they give you lots of energy and contain lots of potassium, which is important for our heart and muscles, for example.
4. Blueberries
Berries are real powerhouses: they contain a lot of healthy antioxidants that can scavenge free radicals and prevent inflammation in the body. Another important content: Flavonoids, which are mainly found in blueberries. Studies show that they can improve mood. And on top of that, they are great as a tasty snack in between or as a topping for muesli, quark and Co.
5. Yogurt or kefir
The intestine is increasingly coming to the fore when it comes to a healthy life. The focus of these considerations are usually prebiotics, which, among other things, stimulate the growth of healthy intestinal bacteria. In a meta-analysis of ten studies, researchers have found that prebiotics can have a positive effect on depressive moods. Therefore, prebiotic foods like yogurt or kefir should be on your diet as often as possible!
6. Quinoa
Whole-grain products such as quinoa or brown rice are full of fiber, which the body needs for various processes, as well as various B vitamins that our brains enjoy. In addition, B vitamins support the production of serotonin – making us happy in the blink of an eye. For the added health boost, eat Quinoa and Co. for lunch with vegetables.
7. Dark chocolate
Last but not least, some good news: Sweet and healthy at the same time must not be mutually exclusive! Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content is the prime example. The phenylethylamine contained in it ensures that the happiness hormone serotonin is released. In addition, dark chocolate also contains lots of flavonoids, which, like blueberries, can generally raise spirits.