Food That Will Make You Happy

Feeling depressed? Guess what? Food would perk you up! This may sound clich� and dare I say, supportive of pity-eating (Stuffing yourself with snacks as a way of avoiding the problem, guaranteed to make you obese! ) but not at all. Proven scientifically, there are certain foods that trigger the brain's centers for reward and pleasure. Pleasure hormone, dopamine, is basically your best friend of you choose the right foods. Here are some healthy foods that would put a smile on your face! Salmon Salmon and other fatty fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA could play a role in overall mood and well-being. Research shows that these fats have a protective effect against depression and in one study helped reduce the anxiety experienced by medical students. Almonds Almonds are high in a compound called tyrosine, which is one of the building blocks for the production of dopamine and other mood-associated neurotransmitters. That means eating a handful of these healthful nuts will not only improve cardiovascular health, thanks to their richness in fiber and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids -- it could also help your mood. Whole Foods Emerging research in the fields of neuroscience and nutrition show that people who eat a diet of modern processed foods, have increased levels of depression, anxiety, mood swings, hyperactivity, and a wide variety of other mental and emotional problems. Apples Apples are rich in quercetin, a compound that defends your brain cells from free-radicals that can damage the lining of neurons, CNN reported. Chocolate Everyone knows that chocolate is delicious and full of antioxidants. But it can also help to reduce anxiety. In those who suffer from anxiety, milk chocolate was found to help reduce symptoms. For those with no history of anxiety, dark chocolate was most helpful, the study reported.