The International Day of Happiness is celebrated worldwide on 20 March every year. Everybody wants happiness. The good news is happiness does not necessarily require hours of meditation or being a billionaire to attain. All you have to do is ... eat!
Chocolate
Endorphins are chemicals that relieve stress and pain. Chocolate increases the levels of endorphins released into the brain. Apart from endorphins, chocolate also contains various other chemicals that are known to boost mood, e.g. phenylethylamine and tryptophan.
Salmon
Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can fight depression and improve mood. Not only can omega-3 fatty acids make you feel happier, it can also make you look happier as it also gives you shiny hair and skin.
Spinach
Loaded with folic acid, spinach can help reduce fatigue and relieve depression. The tryptophan in spinach also increases serotonin levels which play a great role in boosting mood.
Chilis
Capsaicin, the compound that makes chilis hot, makes your brain think it is in pain and thus release endorphins.
Mushrooms
High in vitamin D, mushrooms help improve mood and ease anxiety. While too little serotonin can cause depression, too much of it can have an adverse effect on the body. Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining the right level of serotonin.
So, next time you feel a little down, what you need is not a trip to Hawaii. Just make a trip to your local supermarket and pick up some “happy foods!”
Sources:
© Cigna Healthcare 2023
Information provided in this article is intended for health and fitness purposes only and is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease (see Terms & Conditions for details). Any health-related information found in this article is available only for your interest and should not be treated as medical advice. Users should seek any medical advice from a physician, especially before self-diagnosing any ailment or embarking on any new lifestyle or exercise regime. Any information contained in this article may not be suitable, accurate, complete or reliable. Cigna Healthcare accepts no responsibility for the content or accuracy of information contained on external websites or resources, or for the security and safety of using them. "Cigna Healthcare" and the "Tree of Life" logo are registered trademarks of Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. in the United States and elsewhere, licensed for use. All products and services are provided by or through operating subsidiaries, and not by The Cigna Group.
