It is known that there is a strong relationship between consumed foods and happiness hormones. Especially carbohydrate-containing foods help to increase the level of happiness. However, it is necessary to distinguish between simple carbohydrates without nutritional value and useful complex carbohydrates that the body needs.
The Basis of Happiness is Healthy and Balanced Nutrition
It is known that carbohydrates in foods increase happiness hormones such as serotonin and dopamine in the body. Some vitamins and minerals also contribute to happiness. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals as well as beneficial complex carbohydrates is closely related to happiness. In other words, the right and balanced nutrition is the basis of happiness. However, it is not possible to talk about positive effects in case of excessive fat and protein intake, irregular nutrition, skipping meals, and carbohydrate need being always provided by simple carbohydrates.
Zero-carb (No-carb) Diets are not Healthy
Carbohydrates are the most important macro nutrients for happiness. But what you need to be aware of when buying carbohydrates is which carbohydrates are taken. When simple carbohydrates such as sugar, honey, desserts, white flour, rice and potatoes are taken, blood sugar will rise and live happily at that moment, although a vicious cycle will occur and its negative effects on health will bring unhappiness in the long term. Therefore, the first thing to note is that the nutrients that give happiness are taken from the right sources. When complex carbohydrates are mentioned, it comes to mind primarily legumes, vegetables, fruits, whole-grain breads, whole-grain flour products. It’s not right not no-carb intake. The “zero carbohydrate” diets, which have been frequently encountered recently, are not healthy. The important thing is not to take no-carb, but to take carbohydrates from the right sources. When the right carbohydrates are preferred, the secretion of serotonin and dopamine hormones is also supported. Therefore, complex carbohydrates should be selected and consumed with due consideration.
Support your Happiness with Vitamins and Minerals
Since deficiencies of vitamins and minerals such as B12, magnesium and iron are known to trigger psychological and neurological diseases such as depression and Alzheimer’s, it is important to conduct their tests regularly. These vitamins and minerals also help to secrete serotonin and dopamine. If the levels are too low, it is not possible to return to normal levels with nutrition. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct regular tests and supportive treatment under physician control.
6 Foods That Make You Happy
[mks_highlight color=”#f7f7f7″]Quinoa[/mks_highlight]
There is a high ratio of tryptophan in the quinoa. This amino acids increases serotonin and dopamine secretion. It is also a food that helps to reduce stress. It can be used in soups, salads, rice. Instead of eating quinoa every day, carbohydrates that will be consumed at regular intervals and daily can be preferred instead. Instead of quinoa, lentils, bulgur and wheat serve the same function.
[mks_highlight color=”#f7f7f7″]Pumpkin seeds[/mks_highlight]
Pumpkin seeds helps to secrete serotonin and dopamine thanks to its high amino acid tryptophan content. Apart from the feature of tryptophan, it contains healthy oils and helps to maintain cardiovascular health. In addition, there are studies showing that pumpkin seeds maintain the sugar balance. Therefore, its daily consumption will benefit. However, since the amount of fat it contains is high, the amount of consumption should be considered. This amount can be 1 handful per day or it can be mixed and consumed with different unroasted, raw nuts.
[mks_highlight color=”#f7f7f7″]Amaranth[/mks_highlight]
It is a kind of quinoa seed that has just begun to be heard. It can be used in soups and rice as 1-2 tablespoons daily. The amount of tryptophan is high. Therefore, it increases serotonin release and helps to increase the level of happiness.
[mks_highlight color=”#f7f7f7″]Egg[/mks_highlight]
Eggs are the most important source of protein after breast milk. All the proteins in the egg are absorbed by the body. It is therefore a source of protein containing all amino acids called complete protein. These proteins also contribute to serotonin release. If there are no health problems, the day can be started with eggs. In the morning, put 1 curd cheese next to 1 egg and 1 spoon of oats. You can coloring it up with vegetables like black seed, flaxseed and start your day with a great breakfast. This also helps to start the day happy.
[mks_highlight color=”#f7f7f7″]Turkey meat[/mks_highlight]
All meats contain a certain amount of tryptophan amino acid, but the amount in turkey meat is much higher. Moreover, selenium and B12 are also high in turkey meat. The point to be considered is the cooking method. When cooking turkey meat, just like other meats, it is very important to cook it in its own fat, to separate its skin and not to add extra fat. Otherwise, unhealthy results may be obtained when trying to consume a healthy food. At an unhappy lunch; turkey meat, a salad with arugula with pomegranate can be consumed by flavoring with light lemon. Thus, serotonin release during the day is increased.
[mks_highlight color=”#f7f7f7″]Fast Food[/mks_highlight]
The important thing is which fast food is consumed. Products whose ingredients are unclear and their incorrect cooking style have a negative impact on health. However, a reliable burger made with a good bread such as wheat bread, using good meat, colored with hygienic and healthy greens will be both healthy and give happiness. You can reward yourself 1 day a week with such fast food. You can consume with a bread made of greens, caramelized onions and quality flour. However, coke and fries should not be consumed.