5 Best Foods to Boost Serotonin and Enhance Mood
Eating two portions of salmon a week ought to offer adequate tryptophan that can contribute to the body’s production of more serotonin, for most individuals
Serotonin is a type of chemical found in the brain that can impact mood. Specifically, according to health and nutrition experts, eating foods with the essential amino acid popularly known as "tryptophan" can contribute to the body's production of more serotonin.
Foods such as salmon, eggs, dark chocolate, spinach, and green tea are five of the best foods that can help naturally augment serotonin.
In addition, serotonin is found not just in the brain but also in intestines, blood, and the human body's connective tissues.
The said chemical leads the blood vessel to contract, helping transfer information through the nervous system and has a vital role in the function of the brain.
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The Link Between Serotonin and Mental Disorder
Serotonin is important for general health and well being, and individuals frequently link to a positive mood.
However, the brain is multifaceted, and more extensive research is required to discover more about how serotonin functions.
But then, a study has associated with "low serotonin to mood disorders." In addition, the said chemical may have a contribution to address depression.
Lower serotonin levels in the brain may result in memory disorders, not to mention, low mood. More so, low levels of serotonin are more possible to impact a person unfavorably if he has undergone any depression in the past.
5 Serotonin-Boosting and Mood-Enhancing Foods
Tryptophan, research indicates, "Which goes into serotonin-making," is typically found in foods which protein contains.
Even though meat is frequently the main source of protein for most, there are a lot of vegan and vegetarian sources, as well as serotonin boosters and mood enhancers, too. Here are 5 of them:
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1. Salmon
Considered as oily fish, salmon is an excellent source of "omega-3 fatty acids," which are essential for a person's health.
The said fatty acids are great contributors when it comes to supporting strong bones, healthy skin, and proper eye function.
Furthermore, salmon is an excellent source of vitamin D, too, which is vital to keep bones and teeth strong, not to mention, the muscles healthy.
Eating two portions of salmon a week ought to offer adequate tryptophan for most individuals. Both the vegans and vegetarians get adequate omega-3 from walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and soya.
2. Eggs
There are many different ways to cook and prepare eggs which are healthier than the others. Experts say a fried egg contains a lot of fat, making it a less healthy choice.
Meanwhile, poaching or boiling an egg is not adding additional fat. Making an omelet, on the other hand, and eating it along with a salad, can be an excellent choice for a light meal.
3. Dark Chocolates
With high antioxidant levels, dark chocolates have substances that are more health-promoting compared to milk chocolates.
Research recently showed that dark chocolates containing "high concentrations of cacao" can favorably impact levels of stress, infection, memory and most especially, mood.
Dark chocolates stimulate the production of more endorphins, the serotonin in the brain that develops feelings of pleasure.
In addition, scientists have learned that eating a small amount of dark chocolate can lower the cortisol levels, as well as the other stress hormones.
4. Spinach
Green, leafy vegetables like spinach, in particular, are excellent sources of "tryptophan." Additionally, spinach is an excellent source of iron, too. Iron, in turn, contributes to the body as it makes "healthy red blood cells."
Essentially, according to medical research, inadequate iron in a person's diet can result in "anemia, low energy, or shortness of breath or difficulty breathing."
5. Green tea
Technically, green tea is not considered food. However, it is rich in L-theanine, a type of amino acid that can contribute to the relaxing of the mind and boosting the mood.
Experts claim that drinking green tea "can be very relaxing." And, even though it may not be most people's "caffeinated drink of choice," it does not leave them any jittery feeling the manner coffee does.
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