It seems quite unlikely that food could keep you calm, help you control stress and pull you out of that ugly reverie right?..well, i'd let you know that there's a only a few things food cannot do for us.
How Does This Work?
Tryptophan is used by the body to make niacin, a B vitamin that is important for digestion, skin and nerves, and serotonin. Serotonin is a brain chemical that plays a large role in mood) and can help to create a feeling of well-being and relaxation. Tryptophan is found in foods such as bananas, turkey e.t.c. Serotonin is used to make melatonin, a hormone that also helps to control your sleep and wake cycles.It is possible to take in too much selenium so that it becomes toxic. But this is unlikely if you're getting it from foods rather than supplements, and it can't hurt to make sure you're eating foods that help you meet the recommended intake for selenium, which is 55 micrograms a day for adults. The good news is that foods rich in selenium are foods we should be eating anyway. They include:
1.) Beans and legumes
2.) Lean meat (lean pork and beef, skinless chicken and turkey)
3.) Low-fat dairy products
4.) Nuts and seeds (particularly brazil nuts)
5.) Seafood (oysters, clams, sardines, crab, saltwater fish, and freshwater fish)
6.) Whole grains (whole-grain pasta, brown rice, oatmeal, etc.)
Now let's see other foods and nutrients that would help you relax.
Avocados:
These creamy fruits stress-proof your body. Rich in glutathione, a substance that specifically blocks intestinal absorption of certain fats that cause oxidative damage, avocados also contain lutein, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and more folate than any other fruit. A single serving (about one-quarter of an avocado) has plenty of B vitamins, too. Remember, this may technically be a fruit, but I count it as a fat, so use portion control. Thin sliced on sandwiches, it adds a whole new layer of flavor.
Banana:
The next you feel depressed, eat a banana, it provides energy, helps in development of cells, and promotes the health of the nervous system. If you are irritated, angry, stressed or depressed you are low in vitamin B, and bananas are the place to get your daily dose of vitamin B. Bananas are aalso rich in tryptophan which is a precursor for serotonin production (the body's feel-good chemical)
Berries:
Blueberries have some of the highest levels of an antioxidant known as anthocyanin, and they've been linked to all kinds of positive health outcomes, including sharper cognition. But all berries, including strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, are rich in vitamin C, which has been shown to be helpful in combating stress. German researchers tested this by asking 120 people to give a speech, then do hard math problems. Those who had been given vitamin C had lower blood pressure and lower levels of cortisol after the stressfest.
Cashews:
Nuts are a great snacks, and because they are crunchy and a little salty, they cure many cravings. For those trying to lose weight, they're such a potently satisfying combo of protein and fat that it's hard for me not to recommend them at every single meal. (You do have to watch portion size though, since they are high in calories.) Cashews are an especially good source of zinc—a 1-ounce serving has 11 percent of your RDA. Low levels of zinc have been linked to both anxiety and depression. Since our bodies have no way of storing zinc, it's important to get some every day. Trade cashews for other nuts on the plan when you're in the mood.
Chamomile tea:
This is probably one of the most recommended bedtime soothers around. Now there's more evidence than ever that chamomile calms. A study from the University of Pennsylvania tested chamomile supplements on 57 participants with generalized anxiety disorder for 8 weeks, and found it led to a significant drop in anxiety symptoms. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there is some evidence that, in addition to calming nerves, chamomile promotes sleep.
Just pour a cup of boiling water over 2 to 3 heaping tablespoons of the dried flowers (you can buy chamomile either loose or in tea bags at health food stores) and steep for 10 minutes. Try having a cup every night: Turn off the TV, the computer, and your phone, and settle down for a peaceful end to the day. It's nice iced, too.
Chocolate:
Besides the healthy antioxidants in this treat, which push chocolate to the top of most heart-healthy food lists, it has an undeniable link to mood. A recent study from the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine reports that both women and men eat more chocolate as depressive symptoms increase. Of course, we've all been there, polishing off an entire package of chocolate after a bad day. But there's evidence that, in moderation, chocolate does actually make you feel better.
Dark chocolate, in particular, is known to lower blood pressure, adding to a feeling of calm. It contains more polyphenols and flavonols—two important types of antioxidants—than some fruit juices. You can safely allow yourself dark chocolate as a snack once a week, or as a conscious indulgence, and still stay on track with your weight loss results.Cocoa is a potent source of serotonin, dopamine, and phenylethylamine. Top three well-studied neurotransmitters, they help in keeping depression at bay and are associated with the feel good factor.
Like many plants, garlic is jam-packed with powerful antioxidants. These chemicals neutralize free radicals (particles that damage our cells, cause diseases, and encourage aging) and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage the free radicals cause over time. Among the compounds in garlic is allicin, which has been linked to fending off heart disease, cancer, and even the common cold. Because stress weakens our immune system, we need friends like garlic, which can toughen it back up. As long as you saute it in broth, not oil, you can add it liberally to all the meals on the plan.
Green Tea:
While it does contain caffeine, green tea also has an amino acid called theanine. Researchers at the University of Illinois say that in addition to protecting against some types of cancer, this slimming food is a brain booster as well, enhancing mental performance. Drink two cups each day.
Oatmeal:
A complex carbohydrate, oatmeal causes your brain to produce serotonin, the feel-good chemical. Not only does serotonin have antioxidant properties, it also creates a soothing feeling that helps overcome stress. Studies have shown that kids who eat oatmeal for breakfast stay sharper throughout the morning. And beta-glucan, the type of soluble fiber found in oatmeal, has been shown to promote greater satiety scores than other whole grains.
Oranges:
Another vitamin C powerhouse, oranges have the added benefit of being totally portable. That tough skin keeps them protected while they're bouncing around in your purse or backpack, meaning you can tote them anywhere. Experiment with all the varieties—clementines, tangelos, mineolas.
Grass-fed beef:
Grass-fed beef is not only better for the planet, it's also better for people. It has more antioxidants—including vitamins C and E and beta-carotene—than grain-fed beef, and doesn't have added hormones, antibiotics, or other drugs. And while it's lower in fat overall, it's about two to four times higher in omega-3s. A study in theBritish Journal of Nutritionfound that healthy volunteers who ate grass-fed meat increased their blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids and decreased their levels of pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids. These changes have been linked with a lower risk of a host of disorders, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, depression, and inflammatory disease. Grass-fed beef is pricey but well worth the occasional splurge.
Oysters:
And you thought oysters were only good as aphrodisiacs! They belong here, too, because they're the Godzilla of zinc: Six oysters, which is what you'd typically be served in a restaurant as an appetizer, have more than half the RDA for this important mineral.In this case, oysters are a good source of zinc, iodine, selenium, all of which support the thyroid gland functions. And this gland is helpful to stimulate happiness, and responsible for healthy weight management.
Walnuts:
The sweet flavor of walnuts is so pleasant, and it's nice to know they've been proven to provide a bit of a cognitive edge. They contain alpha-linolenic acid, an essential omega-3 fatty acid, and other polyphenols that have been shown to help prevent memory loss. Researchers at Tufts University found that animals that ingested walnuts even reversed some signs of brain aging.Magnesium is responsible for boosting your mood, strengthening your body and cell growth. It is helpful for insulin production.Polyphenols and antioxidants present in walnuts improve neural connections and the health of the brain that makes you more alert.
Cherry Tomatoes and Normal Tomatoes:
In cherry tomatoes the component lycopene has antioxidants that are responsible for enhancing your mood. The regular tomatoes include this property as well. Be sure to cook the tomatoes just enough to wrinkle the skins, and add a healthy oil like virgin coconut oil, olive oil or canola oi. This releases the lycopene and makes it usable by the body.
Other Tips:
A.) Eat "Smart" Carbs for a Calming Effect:
The connection between carbohydrates and mood is linked to the mood-boosting brain chemical, serotonin. Carbohydrate craving may be related to decreased serotonin activity, although experts are not sure if there is a link. So, don't shun all carbs -- just make smart choices. Limit sugary foods and opt for smart or “complex” carbs (such as whole grains) rather than simple carbs (such as cakes and cookies), along with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and legumes, which all contribute healthy carbs and fiber.
B.) Include Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Your Diet:
We know that omega-3 fatty acids have innumerable health benefits. Recently, scientists have revealed that a deficit of omega-3 fatty acids is associated with depression. In one study, researchers determined that societies that eat a small amount of omega-3 fatty acids have a higher prevalence of major depressive disorder than societies that get ample omega-3 fatty acids. Other studies show that people who infrequently eat fish, which is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, are more likely to suffer from depression.
Sources of omega-3 fatty acids:fatty fish (anchovy, mackerel, salmon, sardines, shad, and tuna), flaxseed, and nuts.
Sources alpha-linolenic acid (another type of omega-3 fatty acid):flaxseed, canola oil, soybean oil, walnuts, and dark green leafy vegetables.
C.) Watch Your Lifestyle Habits:
Many people who are depressed also have problems with alcohol and/or drugs. Not only can alcohol and drugs interfere with mood, sleep, and motivation, they can also reduce the effectiveness of your depression medications.
Now you know!!.. You can keep your mood stable without over the counter drugs which have addictive capacities. Thank me later. Lol, go and have a blessed day.
