Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: Happy Foods!
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Jun 1, 2022 Dive into the fascinating world of foods that can elevate your mood! Discover how certain nutrients like folate and tryptophan boost serotonin levels, enhancing happiness. Learn about the calming effects of GABA and how nostalgia plays a role in our comfort food cravings. Plus, uncover the mood-boosting benefits of DHA from fish, which may help reduce depression. The blend of science and humor makes this exploration of happy foods both enlightening and entertaining!
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Happy Foods vs. Comfort Foods
- Happy foods affect mood through physiological processes.
- Comfort foods affect mood through psychological associations.
Neurotransmitters and Mood
- Moods are regulated by neurotransmitters: inhibitory (serotonin) and excitatory (norepinephrine).
- Balanced neurotransmitter activity promotes good moods.
Food and Neurotransmitter Production
- Foods eaten are broken down; constituent nutrients become building blocks for neurotransmitters.
- Tryptophan, found in foods like turkey and bananas, can cross the blood-brain barrier and convert into serotonin.