5 Favorite Foods that Make You Happy and Why

Some foods that make you happy do so simply because they are appealing and taste good. Many people do not need an excuse to partake of the foods they enjoy. But these 5 favorite foods are not only delicious; there are specific reasons why they have the ability to make you happy.

Ice-cream is one of the most popular foods that make you happy. Ice-cream, along with milk and other milk products, contains a significant amount l-tryptophan, which is an essential amino acid that your body uses to make serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has been shown to alleviate anxiety, elevate your mood and make you happy. Many prescription antidepressants work by increasing serotonin levels in the body.

Chocolate , especially the dark variety, is another one of the favorite foods that make you happy, as many "chocoholics" can attest to. Chocolate contains many components including the chemicals anandamide, phenylethylamine and theobromine. These three chemicals, working together, are known to decrease stress, raise your disposition and promote happiness.

Brazil nuts contain a large quantity of selenium, a nutrient that your body is not capable of producing on its own. One of the functions of selenium is to help the thyroid gland do its job properly. Low levels of selenium can bring on depression, nervousness, ill temper and low energy. The addition of brazil nuts can counteract this and make you feel happier.

Salmon , one more of the foods that make you happy, contains an abundance of omega-3 fatty acids, another nutrient that can not be produced by your body. Deficiencies of omega-3 fatty acids can produce stress, anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that these symptoms can be relieved by consuming salmon and other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids work to make you happy by enhancing the flow of blood in your brain.

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world. Coffee contains caffeine, a drug that stimulate s your body's metabolism. Those who begin their day with a cup of coffee will not be surprised to learn that it can improve your mood, increase your energy, and make you happy and alert.

While you enjoy these 5 favorite foods that make you happy, keep in mind the infamous Shakespearean quote "too much of a good thing." Consume these foods, especially coffee, in moderation and without feelings of guilt.

Other foods that make you happy include strawberries, bananas, grapes, blueberries, spinach, soybeans, whole grain bread, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, walnuts and almonds.