Most of us head to the fridge or pantry to gobble something (probably unhealthy) to get us through bad days. Here are healthier, scientifically approved alternatives to eat
Whether it’s just a bad day, a job interview gone wrong or a bad breakup, nothing makes things seem better than a tub of ice cream, a box of chocolate or that greasy double-cheese burger and extra-salted chips. However, there are healthier and delicious ways to turn that frown upside down, according to science. Try these foods daily instead:
Avocado: Not only does it add a deliciously velvety texture to your sandwiches or salads, but this delicious fruit has B vitamins and potassium, which increases serotonin, a hormone that stabilises our mood, feelings of well-being and happiness. They also have the health benefit of lowering blood pressure.
Banana: A must-have fruit in your diet, bananas contain potassium, which helps improves brain function and B6, which increases serotonin.
Citrus: Whether you like them sour (lemons, limes, grapefruit) or sweet (oranges) citrus is known to have folate to help improve your mood. Citrus also contains Vitamin C, which has antioxidants that, amongst other things, have mood-boosting benefits that decrease anxiety and stress.
Fish: A protein rich in deliciousness, it also contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain development and cognition. Omega-3 also helps reduce depressive symptoms through its anti-inflammatory effect on the brain.
Nuts: Not only are these nature’s gifts to the mouth packed with plant-based proteins, healthy fats and fibre, but they also contain tryptophan, an amino acid that produces mood-boosting serotonin.
Spinach: One of my favourite vegetables, spinach is proven to have a B vitamin called folate, which affects the mood-boosting chemical messengers in your brain. It also has magnesium, a mineral that also helps reduce anxiety.
In layman’s terms, healthier food improves your overall health, an important gift we need to give ourselves.
