10 foods for a good mood

Ham and bacon:

Thiamine (vitamin B1) facilitates the transformation of carbohydrates into energy, has a revitalising effect and provides antidepressant action. The recommended dose is about 1.1 mg per day. All pork meat contains high levels of it, with 100g of lean pork roast containing 0.85 mg of thiamine; 100g of ham, 0.63 mg; and 100 g of salami, 0.57 mg*.

Quail eggs:

“From ‘neutral’ nature, it can be consumed by anyone, at all times of the year,” explains Philippe Sionneau*, a Chinese medicine specialist. Sweet in flavour (which has the effect of releasing tension), quail egg also provides an energy boost, treats insomnia and mental fatigue. This is a good physical reconstituant, one or two to be consumed during your meal of preference in the morning or evening.”

* Author of “The foods that heal us, Chinese dietetics service  to your health “(Guy Trédaniel Publisher).

Mint balm:

“Ever since the 9th century, the great Arab physician Avicenna said that mint balm has “the admirable quality of being able to make one rejoice and comfort the heart,” recalls Guy Fuinel*, a long-time producer and collector of medicinal plants.  For your own mint balm wine : Allow 50g of mint balm leaves to soak in a litre of white wine for 48, then strain. Take two tablespoons when needed.

*Author of “La bonne humeur & les plantes” (Good Mood & Plants) (Editions Amyris).

Longan, red date, and dried raisins:

The longan is a fruit cultivated, and therefore easily found, in the region. It is an excellent brain tonic – especially beneficial for cases of mental fatigue, it also calms emotions. It is best to consume 15 – 20g per day in dried state, or 30 – 40g when fresh.  “Like longan, red date is one of the most effective fruits when it comes to nourishing the heart and rebalancing the mind. As for the raisin, it has the same properties as longan, but is less powerful,” says Philippe Sionneau. Take 10-15g per day. For a brew: 15g of dried longans, 5 red dates 5, 15g raisins in 300 ml of water. Keep at a gentle boil for 20 minutes, strain and enjoy. This brew may also be available ready-made at herbal and traditional Chinese medicine stores.

Oyster:

“In traditional Chinese medicine, the heart rules over one’s mental and emotional life. Oyster is an excellent tonic for the “heart blood”, deficiency of which causes mental agitation and insomnia,” said Philippe Sionneau. He suggests treating this with 4 oysters per day, for 15 days. Rich in omega 3 antidepressants, packed with vitamin B for good mood, and zinc and selenium immune-stimulants, oysters have an excellent reputation all over the world.

Oregano:

“It is a tonic for the nervous system, but becomes a sedative after 8-10 days of treatment,” says Guy Fuinel. For an infusion: one tablespoon of flower heads (or in dried form) per cup of boiling water. Allow it to steep for 10 minutes, then strain.

Dark chocolate:

Chocolate, especially dark, is an accelerator of good moods. It contains theobromine (which has psycho-stimulant effects), tryptophan, and amino acids needed to manufacture serotonin (substance that makes us feel a sense of well-being), as well as phenylethylamine, a natural hormone in our brain that raises the concentration of endorphins (a natural morphine that we secrete) in our systems. It even results in the effect of being high, because it contains a bit of anandamide, a substance with euphoric effects also present in cannabis.

Orange Blossom:

Soothing, it treats emotional troubles. So as not to affect its healing properties, allow a little to infuse in simmering water. Consume 1-3g per day. For L ebanese white coffee: add one tablespoon of orange blossom water in a cup of very hot water before bedtime. You can sweeten with honey, and dilute with milk.

Oatmeal:

Packed with vitamin B1, thiamine, riboflavin (or vitamin B2, which plays a role in the metabolism of energy in cells), iron, zinc and soluble fibres, oatmeal soothes stress and calms cravings. With the stomach settled, the smile follows naturally…

Foie gras:

Vitamin B9, or folic acid, is the substance of happiness. It regulates sleep and appetite, acts on the nervous system and the health of our red blood cells. With 566 micrograms per 100 g*, foie gras contains ten to fifteen times more folic acid than meat or fish. Our daily requirement is 300 micrograms, so just a small slice will suffice (though it may be difficult to stop yourself…).

By Martine Azoulai