Does Eating Pretzels Actually Make Us Feel Better?

Before testing the theory that eating high-carbohydrates foods actually improve your mood compared to eating high-fat foods, you should note your own reaction to the foods that you eat. It is a general fact that when you eat carbs, your energy increases. When you eat greasy foods, your stomach feels fuller. Therefore, you are less disposed to be more energetic.

The Archives of Internal Medicine published a report on the study among 106 obese people who were given high-carbs diet versus high-fat diet. Half of those people who consumed more bread and pasta felt their moods get better as well as the other half who ate more burgers and steaks. But only after a year with this diet did the conclusion came clear: Those who ate more carbs have improved their moods better than those who ate more fatty foods.

I personally believe that eating less fat and only an average amount of carbohydrate-rich foods is the best. Of course, the biggest portion of the meal should be dedicated to vegetables, then protein-rich meat.

The result of the research primarily linked the nutrients in the food we eat to the way the brain reacts and functions. For example, chocolates are known to increase serotonin in the brain, which makes a person feel happier. The lack of omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish) in the diet can also cause depression, dementia, and other psychiatric problems.

So how does this affect your view towards food? The researchers believe that there are a lot of natural foods that can work to improve the brain and body functions just like drugs. Here's a tip for women: According to Judith Wurtman in her book "The Serotonin Power Diet", women should eat more serotonin-inducing food such as pretzels, bread, crackers, and pasta -- skip the dressing and Goober -- to improve their mood during their PMS. Or whenever they feel their energy is getting depleted, such as late in the afternoon. According to Ms. Wurtman, men don't lose as much serotonin as fast as women do.

Another issue tackled in this research is the evolution of our diet, from eating natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids such as fish to switching to processed foods that contain omega-6.

Processed foods do more harm than good to our brains because the omega-6 fatty acids drive away the omega-3 acids from the body tissue. The latter are actually responsible for protecting the brain from damage. Medical experts say the lack of omega-3 fatty acids can lead to depression and suicidal thinking.

It's hard to tell day by day whether some foods actually influence our moods. Personally, I believe it's more of a combination of what we eat and our lifestyle. Consider, for example, exercising and an active social life. Exercise improves our blood circulation and makes us feel better. Good friends and family make us laugh. All of these and a balanced diet all work to improve our mood.