Five Foods to Make You Happy

Diet is not only important for well-being, it is also one of the keys to happiness. The saying 'you are what you eat' has a sound basis in fact. The human body needs fuel of all types to function well, and that goes for emotional function as well as physical.

The body needs the amino acid, tryptophan, which it converts into the chemical, serotonin; it cannot create trypotophan itself and must depend on the diet to provide it. A diet low in serotonin will cause mood swings, anxiety, food and substance cravings, as well as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Aim for a diet rich in tryptophan, and your body will have a ready supply of serotonin.

Here are five dietary essentials that will enable you to feel uplifted, energised, and ready to face whatever the day throws at you. These foods are easy to obtain and relatively inexpensive, so will be easy to incorporate into your meals.

Bananas

Bananas are one of nature's finest foods, as well as being one of the most convenient to eat. They are extremely versatile and can be eaten 'on the run' or added to breakfast cereals, smoothies and desserts. Bananas are rich in mood-enhancing tryptophan, vitamin B6 which regulates the body's blood glucose levels. They contain potassium, too, which helps with brain function, and B vitamins to help with nerves.

Spinach

Easily purchased in the supermarket or greengrocer's, spinach is another essential food on the 'feel-good' list. It is rich in folate, one of the B vitamins which helps with the body's production of serotonin, and will help lift even clinical depression. It can be added to stews, soups and casseroles, eaten raw in salads, and lightly-steamed as a separate serving of vegetables with many meals.

Turkey

Turkey is rich in tryptophan, and so easily available, that it can be incorporated into the diet on a regular basis. It can be eaten hot or cold, in many different ways, whether as part of a main meal, or just a snack.

Fish

Mackerel, sardines, and other oily fish are a great source of omega-3, essential fatty acids that also help to lift the mood. Like tryptophan, omega-3 boosts the serotonin levels in the body and also enhances the activity of the brain. A simple lunchtime snack of wholemeal bread and a couple of sardines costs very little. Follow that with a banana and you have all the makings of a 'feel-good' meal that will stave off hunger pangs and keep you going right up until dinner time in the evening.

Sunflower seeds

Easily incorporated into many dishes, and great as a snack, sunflower seeds are one of nature's own anti-depressants. They contain very high levels of tryptophan, so a small handful every day will boost the body's serotonin levels, and maintain that feeling of wellbeing. They are the perfect alternative to sweet sugary products when a snack is needed halfway through the morning, or afternoon. The boost they give to energy levels will last a lot longer than a bar of chocolate.

These are just a few of the 'superfoods' that will energise and lift the spirits. All are easy to include in the daily diet for the whole family, cost very little considering the benefits, and will help to keep the 'blues' at bay.