How food affects our morale
They all have one thing in common: their exceptional nutritional composition. Indeed, it is thanks to their compounds that these anti-depression foods are able to act on the nerve messages and the neurotransmitters that cause our mood.
When going through a phase of depression or loss of motivation, the secretion of these 2 neurotransmitters is at its lowest. To rediscover happiness and positivity on a daily basis, it is therefore essential to stimulate their production.
In the event of low morale and chronic or transient depression, certain nutrients should be favoured. This is particularly the case with essential or vitamins B9, B12, B6 and certain essential amino acids such as tryptophan. Consuming foods rich in these nutrients is therefore beneficial for the brain and for managing our moods.
Here are 5 essential foods that act on our happiness and that will help you overcome and prevent depressive states.
1. Chocolate
Chocolate is a safe bet in the event of low morale and motivation. Provided, however, that you consume chocolate with a minimum of 70% cocoa. Indeed, it is in the cocoa beans that the beneficial nutrients for the brain are found: minerals, magnesium and vitamins of group B. Whether consumed in powder or in beans, chocolate contains a significant amount of magnesium: 410 mg per 100 g of cocoa powder! Magnesium deficiency helps lower dopamine and serotonin levels, increasing the risk of depression. It would therefore be a shame to deprive yourself of chocolate …
2. Nuts
Another interesting food to stimulate the production of neurotransmitters: oilseeds and more especially nuts. These are a nutritional gold mine! In addition to being rich in selenium, a trace element effective against oxidative stress, nuts contain tryptophan. This amino acid is said to be "essential" because it can only be supplied to the body through food. Along with almonds, walnuts are therefore excellent sources of tryptophan with 709 mg per 100g. Tryptophan is one of the precursors of serotonin. It acts on the feeling of calm, on emotional well-being, anxiety and will help you falling asleep.
3. Bananas
Bananas are not only energy fruits consumed by athletes before or after exercise. In addition to acting on physical performance, bananas also have virtues on the mind. They also contain tryptophan, B vitamins, magnesium and especially potassium. This nutrient plays an important role in the normal functioning of the brain by providing oxygen to cells and regulating nerve impulses. Thus, a potassium deficiency usually results in fatigue and nervous breakdown. With 422 mg of potassium per fruit, bananas offer a very good contribution.
5. Avocado
Besides being delicious, avocados are great anti-depression foods. And for good reason: they contain many beneficial nutrients for the nervous system such as tryptophan and B vitamins… but not only! Avocados are among foods containing tyrosine, an amino acid that raises dopamine levels in the brain. Tyrosine contributes to nervous balance, improves mood and mental performance.
6. Goji berries
Among the great family of super foods, Goji berries are certainly the most famous. They are particularly recommended for regaining energy and protecting the body due to their antioxidant content. Rich in vitamin C, Goji berries also contain tryptophan, B vitamins and magnesium. Other super foods can also be great for boosting morale, such as chia seeds, which help neuron function.
