If happiness had a recipe, it would consist exclusively of a large quantity of serotonin.
Yes, this neurotransmitter is responsible for all those moments in our daily life in which we feel happy, relaxed, and at peace with ourselves.
You may not know it but there are a large number of foods that we consume habitually that favor the production of serotonin, the neurotransmitter from the central nervous system, which when released to many parts of our body, helps us to feel content and relaxed.
Here are the 6 foods that produce true and natural happiness!
image: Kyle McDonald/Flickr
- Sunflower seeds: Seeds rich in tryptophan such as pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds release serotonin, but be careful! These seeds, when mixed with carbohydrates, lessen the release of serotonin.
- Pineapple: Rich in bromelain, this exotic fruit not only promotes the release of serotonin, but it is also indicated as an ideal agent to mitigate the effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients.
- Eggs: This popular food is very rich in tryptophan, one of the essential amino acids for the body and, just like sunflower and pumpkin seeds, eggs favor the production of the neurotransmitter, serotonin.
image: Wikimedia
- Dairy products: Although not everyone is capable of releasing serotonin through milk or dairy products, nonetheless, they are rich in vitamin D, which is responsible for the release of serotonin in our body.
- Tofu: Although both bluefish and beef are rich in tryptophan, so are the "equivalent" carbohydrate proteins found in foods such as soy and tofu, which are able to substitute the amino acid that promotes the production of serotonin.
- Spinach: Just like turnips, garlic, cauliflower, and celery, spinach is rich in vitamin B6. Needless to say, this is among the major sources of serotonin production, starting from our central nervous system up to our metabolism.
In short, consuming these foods, certainly will not dramatically change our lives, but it will surely make our lives ... happier!
