Could your desire to scream at the steering wheel or throw your laptop out the window actually come down to what you’re eating?
While the science linking food to our emotional and mental state is still pretty young, it looks like there’s a deeper mood-food connection than we previously thought.
More and more research suggests that modern processed diets high trans fats and (you guessed it) sugar are making us madder, sadder and more stressed out.
On the flip side, some foods might actually make us happier, because of the way they tap into our brain chemistry.
Why sugary “comfort foods” aren’t so comforting…
Many of us turn to sugary foods when we’re feeling blue because they rush to the pleasure centre of the brain, temporarily making us feel warm and fuzzy.
But these feelings quickly fade, leaving us in a sugar crash free-fall and craving more of the sweet stuff to get us back to base level.
In the long run, a high-sugar diet makes us much more likely to experience crazy “food swings” or fly off the handle in stressful situations. No thanks!
… and trans fats can actually make you mad!
As if we needed another reason to avoid trans-fats like the plague, it turns out they’re strongly linked to behavioral irritability and aggression.
Scientists think it’s because they interfere with omega-3s, which have been shown to reduce aggression, particularly in children.
So what SHOULD we eat to be happier humans?
Essentially, it comes down to a healthy balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats, proteins and plenty of “feel good” vitamins and minerals. (In other words, just JERF!)
Proteins
Proteins are made up of amino acids: the building blocks of life. They’re also the building blocks of our “feel good” chemicals dopamine (made from tyrosine) and serotonin (made from tryptophan). Research has linked a lack of these proteins to low mood and aggression. Find them in oats, dairy, red and white meat, eggs nuts and seeds.
Carbohydrates
In addition to the vital role they play in energy production, carbs must be present for tryptophan to actually get to the brain. Research suggests veggies, fruits and whole grains are far better at regulating brain chemistry long-term than sweeter sources.
Omega 3s
Omega 3s are basically the brain’s BFF. So it makes sense they’re linked to behaviour mood and impulse regulation as well as a decreased risk of depression and other psychiatric disorders. Find them in fish, chia, broccoli and spinach.
Vitamin B
B vitamins including folate, vitamin B6 and B12 are essential for optimal brain and nerve function. They also support serotonin regulation, which is why B vitamins are often used to treat depression.
Magnesium
Magnesium plays a vital role in serotonin production, and a lack of it spells irritability, confusion, agitation and anxiety. Make sure you’re eating plenty of leafy greens, nuts and legumes to keep your stocks topped up.
Does food affect your mood?
0 comments :
Post a Comment