Boost Your Mood: 5 Foods that can make you happy

Karen GEORGE

11 May 2015

updated the 6 October 2015 à 23:07

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Dark chocolate
Not everyone is a fan, but dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients that can positively affect your health. Dark chocolate is rich in anti-oxidants, which increase the flexibility of veins and arteries which in turn contribute to a healthier heart.
If you suffer from menstrual cramps, skip the ibuprofen and snack on dark chocolate instead. The high levels of magnesium also fights off depression, irritability and fatigue.
And that happiness you feel after indulging in a sweet treat? It's all down to a group of chemicals found in chocolate called N-acyclethanoloamine.
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Coffee
Previous studies have shown that coffee reduces depression in women by as much as 20%. Now science has come up with other reasons to add coffee to your morning routine. Besides giving you that much needed energy perk, coffee also makes you more benevolent and able to deal with stressful situations in a tranquil manner. So keep calm and java on!
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Fruits & vegetables
Your mom was on to something when she forced you to finish your fruits and vegetables. Research has time and again proven that those with a higher intake of these two important foods have higher energy levels, are more calm, and posses a greater sense of happiness.
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Trust your teas
The TCM experts love their teas, and it is with good reason. Not only do they restore balance in your body, it also detoxifys and boosts your immune system.
Different types of tea have varying purposes, and we
recommend chrysanthemum to release body heat, protect your liver, and improve vision. Ginger teas are also great for relieving anxiety and improving digestive function!
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Mushrooms
Shrooms, (the fungus, not the drug) are a great way to increase your happiness levels. How? Well the fleshy, spore bearing fungi is rich in selenium, a compound known to fight depression and boost immunity levels. It's a common belief that food lacking in colour also lacks essential vitamins and nutrients but this is not true of the shroom, which is the only vegan, non-fortified dietary source of vitamin D.

Hack your brain chemistry and eat your way to happiness with these delicious mood boosting foods.

It’s no secret we’re all looking for ways to be happy. From makeovers to that budding new romance to dropping big bucks on your dream car. But did you know that there’s a less expensive, not so complicated way to happiness? And it’s just sitting in our kitchens?

Believe it or not, the food we eat has an impact on our overall well-being. It seems ridiculous to think that our diets can bring us up or pull us down but how many times have you gone on that fast food binge only to feel incredibly bloated and irritable later on? Just like we monitor our diets to loose weight, the same can be done to beat the blues.

Research suggests that tweaking your diet and adding in certain dopamine boosting foods can make a big difference on the happiness front. Click through the gallery for scientifically proven foods that can boost your mood one bite at a time! Now you know what to put in your shopping cart on your next grocery trip.

Karen George

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Boost Your Mood: 5 Foods that can make you happy

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