The Interesting Impact of Healthy Foods on Personal Happiness

 

Most people don’t think about the impact of healthy foods on their moods, only their waistlines, and immune systems. That’s a shame because they are essentially ignoring one of the easiest, most affordable, and safest available options for increased personal happiness. That’s right, simple changes in your food intake can lessen symptoms of depression, quell anxiety, and improve the overall quality of your life. Do we have your attention yet?

Now, you may be asking yourselves how this is possible. Because the human brain is constantly working – controlling the heartbeat, senses, movement, thoughts, and behavior – it needs a steady stream of fuel, which it gets in the form of healthy foods. The latest scientific research supports the idea that certain nutrients have a profound impact on brain health and function. Many of the usual suspects are on the list: omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, chromium, magnesium, iron, and zinc.

These nutrients play an important role in preventing or reducing the severity of different kinds of mental disorders such as depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, and others. According to the Mental Health Foundation based in the UK: “Nearly two-thirds of those who do not report daily mental health problems eat fresh fruit or fruit juice every day, compared with less than half of those who do report daily mental health problems.”

When your diet is balanced and rich in healthy foods, you are by far more likely to feel good, energetic, coherent, and satisfied with life. But when it’s not, you may experience lethargy, irritation, mood swings, memory loss, and fatigue – just think back to that time you forgot your wallet and skipped lunch. Which brings us to nutrient-deficient foods. These include heavily processed meats, simple carbohydrates, fatty and deep friend snacks, and stuff that look pretty much synthetic. (No, Gummy Bears and Sour Patch Kids are not considered healthy foods.)

For Personal Happiness, Eat Healthy Foods Rich In:

Fatty Acids

There’s a substantially great reason for why moms encourage their kids to consume fish. Since our bodies can’t produce essential fatty acids, which play a vital role in building healthy brain cells, we have to get them from healthy foods. Oily fish are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G for doing exactly that. From salmon to sardines and mackerel to herring, try making them a regular part of your diet. But if fish is just not compatible with your palette, you can also get fatty acids from flaxseeds, walnuts, and others sources.

Calcium & Vitamin D

Vitamin D is required for the regulation of calcium and phosphorus in the body. Most people obtain vitamin D through sun exposure. But, because most of us have jobs that require us to spend most of the day indoors, vitamin D deficiency is very widespread. Luckily, there are plenty of healthy foods that have both, calcium and vitamin D. Fatty fish, for example, are a great source of each; and so are beef liver, cheese, and eggs.

B Vitamins

B12 is found in different types of animal foods since plants cannot make or store it. It is essential for DNA production, cardiovascular health, but also for the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system. So, to get the proper dose of B12, try consuming meat, fish, crab, and yogurt products. Unlike B12, B6 is found in our bodies as well as in the food we consume. As it also plays an important role in the maintenance of our nervous system, getting the suggested daily dose is highly encouraged. So, stock up on bananas, spinach, and turkey – STAT!

Chromium, Zink & Magnesium

All three are known as essential trace minerals, which essentially mean that people require less than 20 milligrams of each per day. According to Trace Minerals Research: “Every second of every day your body relies on ionic minerals and trace minerals to conduct and generate billions of tiny electrical impulse. Without these impulses, not a single muscle, including your heart, would be able to function. “ So, whenever possible, try to consume broccoli, whole wheat, and green beans.

At Merkaela, we strongly believe in the body-and-mind connection. That is why we strive to provide our readers with as much information about clean living as possible. Since the nutrients we put into our bodies have an amazing ability to impact our moods, we sincerely encourage you to stock up on some healthy foods for personal happiness.

 

References

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/d/diet-and-mental-health
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?dbid=84&tname=nutrient
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-929-vitamin+d.aspx?activeingredientid=929&activeingredientname=vitamin+d
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=107
http://www.traceminerals.com/trace-minerals/why-you-need-ionic-minerals