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The argument over food for mood has raged for decades. For every study imploring the benefits of one product, another one pops up with opposite results. Wine and beer are perfect examples. Yet, some superfoods are beneficial on their own, as a group, or as supplements to overcome mood issues with testosterone replacement therapy and related treatments. Similar hormone balancing is also crucial for the correct function of organs and the brain.
High Percentage Chocolate
You will have a difficult time trying to find someone who doesn't like chocolate. One of the world's most traded commodities, cocoa makes the chocolate products we love. However, to reap the benefits of this biochemically rich superfood, you must consume a specific amount. For instance, manufacturers like Kraft mix their chocolate with fats and sugars. These are not good and are high in calories. For the most benefit, you need 70% cocoa products. Preferably without added milk or cream. The effects are similar to CBD and boost serotonin.
Omega-3 Fatty Fish
Your boy cannot produce Omega-3 itself. Therefore, you must source this superfood somewhere else. Salmon is the best food for Omega-3 intake, but it is also found in tuna, mackerel, and sardines. However, not everyone enjoys fish. Fortunately, plant oils and nuts, and seeds contain small amounts. Enough to feel the benefits if you consume them every day. The benefits of Omega-3 are well documented for brain health and staving off the effects of age-related illnesses like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Additionally, depression and anxiety are reduced if you regularly consume Omega-3 fatty acids.
Bananas, Oats, And Berries
Bananas are bursting with potassium. Potassium is essential for heartbeat regulation, protein synthesis, and carbohydrate metabolization. Meanwhile, oats and berries are rich in antioxidants that help your body flush out harmful chemicals. All of these work together to help you feel emotionally balanced with a better sense of general well-being. Also, all of these foods are cheaper than most others, and they can be enjoyed together. For example, you can get a massive dose of most of your daily nutrients with a bowl of creamy oats topped with banana slices and berries.
Good Quality Coffee
For many, the day cannot even begin before they have a cup of coffee. Coffee contains a high amount of caffeine, which promotes brain function and alertness. Therefore, it's an excellent way to start the day. Additionally, coffee has been shown to increase the neurotransmitter dopamine, similar to serotonin, to feel better about yourself and stabilize mood. However, like chocolate, not all coffee is made equal. Therefore, it is advised that you source the best coffee you can afford and stay away from instant coffee. Fortunately, home coffee machines are very affordable these days.
Leafy Greens
While the children may not appreciate them, eating various leafy greens is one of the easiest and more nutritious methods for different vitamin and mineral intake. Happy Valley Seeds recommend lettuce seeds get included in your garden if you love leafy greens.
However, it can sometimes be challenging to know what constitutes a leafy green. Some examples include:
- Spinach: there's a reason why Popeye eats it.
- Kale: an excellent base for healthy smoothies.
- Watercress: rich and peppery for chicken sandwiches.
- Leaf lettuce: can be used in any salad.
- Chard: bitter taste but will lift a standard salad.
These leafy and delicious green vegetables can be prepared and sneaked into almost any dish without the kids noticing. However, you will appreciate the difference they can make to soups, salads, and sandwiches as they fill you with high amounts of various vitamins and fiber. All of which regulate blood pressure and improve cognitive function.
Nuts And Seeds
There is a wide variety of nuts and seeds that are great for daily consumption. Cashews, peanuts, and pistachios are among the most popular nuts. While sunflower, flax, and pumpkin are readily available seeds to snack on or mix in recipes. Nuts and seeds contain high amounts of tryptophan which is excellent for boosting serotonin. Unfortunately, they also have high amounts of zinc and selenium, two of the most widely deficient nutrients in people. This is alarming since they are essential for your sense of smell and taste and immunity and fertility, respectively.
Pulses And Legumes
Pulses and lentils are more commonly known as beans and lentils. You may not think consuming these daily is easy, yet they easily translate into many recipes. One good trick is to replace half your meat with half a cup of beans, lentils, or both. For example, try mixing in a handful of Billotti beans with your next spaghetti bolognese for the kids. Or substitute half of the lamb with red lentils in your next curry. Not only will these superfoods add a new dimension of texture and taste, but they are also an extremely rich source of vitamin B and folate.
