8 foods that can will brighten your mood
Feeling frazzled, stressed or even depressed? Although you
might turn to fast food or sweets for comfort and convenience, junk food is likely to leave you feeling even more miserable. Eating right has the potential to lift your mood by influencing the production of neurotransmitters – brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine that can help soothe your spirit, explains Amanda Schwartz, dietitian-in-chief at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto. Adding these eight good mood foods to your plate may help you feel calmer, happier and more capable of coping with stress.
Good mood food: A turkey burger (with lettuce)
The mood booster: Tyrosine
How it works: Along with chicken, low-fat dairy and other protein-packed foods, turkey is a significant source of the amino acid tyrosine. When it hits the brain, tyrosine can trigger the production of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which enhance energy, alertness and feelings of well-being. But in order for this reaction to take place, Schwartz says B vitamins must also be present, and that's where the lettuce comes in. Lettuce and other leafy greens, as well as broccoli and peanut butter, are rich sources of B vitamins.
This story was originally titled "Good Mood Food" in the April 2011 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!
