For the longest time, it has been said that food is the way to a man’s heart. But what isn’t so popular is the survey that shows also that food does the same feeling for the lady’s heart.
With more researches done in recent times, we can safely now affirm that surely food plays a key role in emotions and brain work (mood). We can experience happiness, satisfaction, bitterness, anger, and even nostalgia from each food we ingest. Simply put, the food we eat affects how we react. And here’s why.
Aesthetic Derivation in Food
No doubt a vast majority of people derive confidence from their appearance, and this impacts on the mood. How the skin glistens, body posture, hair texture, and more superficial qualities can be boosted or repressed by the type of food we consume.
For example, the more visible acnes are on a forehead, the less likely the person would be seen in social gatherings. Even certain body types are applauded and sought after than others. And guess what? Asides genetics, a large contribution to these features are influenced by the type of food we consume.
Nutrients such as vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids assist the skin in staying smooth. We have them like spinach, chia seeds, and, kidney beans. Natural plant oils such as flaxseed, safflower and, olive are also rich in these fats. Legumes like beans and lentils are high in protein, iron, zinc, and biotin. These support full-bodied hair. Though rare, biotin deficiencies can result in brittle hair.
Some food contains flavonoids which are anti-aging antioxidants. They are largely found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. And together with vitamin C and beta-carotene (contained in sweet potatoes, carrots), it can work to protect the skin from the sun’s aging UV rays. This would prevent the appearance of wrinkles, and skin discolorations.
Read: https://www.everydayhealth.com/anxiety-pictures/anxiety-foods-that-help-foods-that-hurt-0118.aspx
Also, walnuts, cashews, pecans, and almonds are great sources of zinc which promotes healthy hair. Zinc deficiencies can lead to hair shedding.
Essentially, you feel good, confident, and happy when you look good. This is important to improve your mood all day.
Nutritional Content of Food
From a nutritional assessment point of view, leaning towards a certain food structure can adversely or positively affect your countenance. What you eat could uplift your mood, get you depressed, or extremely anxious.
Some food can make you stressed, reduce panic, or induce depression. For example, folate deficiency in food can elevate anxiety and depression. Vitamin C which helps to repair and protect our cells are also known to provide anxiety relief.
Read: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mood-food#3.-Fermented-foods
Deficiencies of B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin have been linked to increased anxiety in some people, as they have positive effects on the nervous system. Here we have foods like whole-grain, rice, fortified bread, mushrooms, and animal-based foods.
Vitamin D is known to have anti-depressant qualities. “Vitamin D’s main role is converting and regulating the conversion of tryptophan into serotonin. The goal is to maintain the right amount of serotonin, which can ward off depression and anxiety. Too much or too little serotonin can have adverse effects”
Even from analysis, it is said that devouring artery-clogging trans fats can heighten your risk of depression by as much as 48%. This goes to prove how the choice of food you prefer can alter your state of mind at any given time.
Health Benefits in Food
Some high-quality nutrients contained in food serve functional purposes to the body. They either act as fuel for the brain and muscles or to generally support our mental and physical well-being. When our state of mind is healthy, activities that may wear you down are less frequent. For instance, Iron deficiency in food causes fatigue and sluggishness.
Vitamin E is a nutrient that is important for vision and reproduction. They are rich in olive oil, margarine, canola oil, and almonds. There are also meats, leafy greens, and fortified cereals. Just as well, carotenoids act as antioxidants to promote healthy eyesight. You’re less irritable when you’re not straining your eyes to see objects. As far as positivity goes, this is good for your mood.
Read: https://www.psycom.net/foods-that-help-with-anxiety-and-stress/
An important one is a less frequently heard of amino acid which is tryptophan. It produces the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps regulate sleep.
You have reserved energy all times and your nerves are active, all depending on what food you select to eat. Learning what food triggers any mood can help address deficiencies and lack of energy. Try it.
If you enjoyed reading the article on Trusted Nutrition today, check out our other article with 18 Healthy Snacks
