Foods that Can Make a Good Mood

Jakarta Food is not only filling the stomach and satisfy hunger, but also can affect mood. People who always eat healthy foods tend to have a good mood.

Food can affect a person's mood or mood, depending on how you use it. There are certain foods that will add a positive thought, while some are causing the opposite effect.

Food derived from sugar and starch will usually be able to enhance the mood of being able to release serotonin from tryptophan (an amino acid). This hormone can reduce depression.

While the protein-containing foods such as meat, poultry, dairy products and nuts can make the brain release nor epinephrine and dopamine, which is derived from the amino acid tyrosine and can improve mental concentration and alertness.

Here are some foods that can increase positive mood, as reported by Lifemojo, Friday (05/08/2011):

1. Healthy Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are not always bad. People who are on a strict diet by avoiding carbohydrates even many who seem dull, depressed and cranky. The reason is because they lack tryptophan.

Tryptophan is a non-essential amino acid that is released after the intake of carbohydrates. This entry into the brain and release serotonin, a calming and anti-depressant neurotransmitter. Choose healthy carbohydrates such as grains, wheat, pasta, brown rice.

2. Omega-3 fatty acids
Several recent studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats found in fish, flaxseed and walnuts can help in protecting against depression.

3. Start the day with a healthy breakfast
Many studies have proven that people who eat breakfast have a healthy balanced mood and better memory, and more energy throughout the day.

4. Foods rich in selenium
Selenium also acts as a mood enhancer. A study at Texas Tech University suggests that selenium supplementation helps in treating depression. In the same study, the lack seleniu intake was associated with a bad mood. Selenium-rich foods such as nuts and whole grains, lean meats, seafood and low fat dairy products.

5. Reduce caffeine
Caffeine can keep you awake and alert at night, but definitely change your mood the next day. People who are sensitive to caffeine may even become depressed. You need to reduce the caffeine if you find it causes depression.