Healthy Good Mood Food

The right kinds of food can improve health in more ways than the obvious physical fitness and weight control. They can improve mood, memory, the ability to concentrate and the ability to relax. Foods can provide the protein and carbohydrates that supply the energy the body needs. They can also provide vitamins and minerals to help the body function. Certain foods have additional benefits, and some are good mood foods. These are just a few of them, and they all include more nutrients than mentioned.

Bananas: Bananas contain tryptophan, which is an amino acid that produces niacin. Niacin in turn produces serotonin, a neurotransmitter that reduces anxiety. Serotonin improves the ability to concentrate and to sleep well.

Avocados: Avocados contain thiamine, or vitamin B1. It is important for the functioning of the brain and nervous system, and it helps convert carbohydrates into energy.

Fish: Cold-water fish have high amounts of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which help prevent depression. Fish also lowers the risk of heart disease.

Turkey: Turkey is another source of tryptophan, increasing production of serotonin and improving both cognitive activity and tranquility.

Eggs: The yolks have lecithin, promoting energy and improving brain cells' activity. Some eggs are enriched with omega-3 fatty acids.

Brown rice: Another source of tryptophan, brown rice also provides a decent supply of carbohydrates, which are converted into energy, and bran, which helps regulate the digestive system. It can help prevent over-indulging by increasing the feeling of fullness.

Soybeans: Soybeans include protein and potassium. Protein helps people stay alert. Potassium helps maintain blood pressure and decreases nervousness and fatigue.

Potatoes: An excellent source of potassium, potatoes also provide thiamine and pyridoxine, or vitamin B6. Pyridoxine is essential to the brain and the nervous system, protecting against depression, irritability and memory loss.

Chocolate: Enough said.

Nuts: Almonds, cashews, walnuts and others contain potassium, which is necessary for a healthy nervous system. Peanuts, which are actually a member of the legume family, contain tryptophan. Nuts may also lower cholesterol levels, reducing heart attack risk.

There are many more foods with vitamins, minerals and amino acids that make them good mood food. Consuming mass quantities of these foods will not necessarily eliminate a need for Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft or any other prescription drug. Depression and anxiety often require treatment by professionals who have been trained to diagnose their severity. The good mood food is a good way to improve general health, both physical and mental.