Many people are eager to find out which foods contain serotonin, because rumored to be a wonderful substance that creates a good mood . In fact, the very expression "serotonin in food" contains an inaccuracy. Serotonin is not a substance or a mineral, but a hormone that the human body produces as a result of the use of certain foods. Instead of the phrase "foods rich in serotonin," it is more correct to talk about products that increase its content in the body.
What gives serotonin to the body?
Serotonin is sometimes conditionally called the "hormone of joy," since it is he who is responsible for the good disposition of the spirit and impression. It is proved that the use of certain types of products can stimulate its production, thus, increasing the mood.
The state of stress, depression, despondency - all this harms the body, knocks down the established metabolism and generally negatively affects health. Knowing which products will lead to the production of serotonin, your mood can be controlled much easier.
What substances are needed for the production of serotonin?
To the body synthesized serotonin, it is necessary to ensure the supply of tryptophan - a substance that triggers the mechanism we need. It is enough only 1-2 grams of this amino acid per day, and you will always be in good spirits. Remember, in which products it is contained, it will not be difficult.
In addition, for the production of serotonin, the body needs a sufficient amount of B and magnesium vitamins. And the easiest way to develop this hormone for the body is to get simple sugars that abound in all the sweets. This method is very dangerous, as it is proved that in just a few weeks a person is dependent on sweet .
Products that increase serotonin
Remember that the mood is also influenced by sun rays and sports. Sometimes, for changes in life, you need to start going to workouts and often visit the street, and in the winter - periodically visit the solarium. If you are looking for serotonin in foods, or rather, substances that provoke its production, it is worth turning to the following categories:
Foods rich in simple carbohydrates:
- sweets - it's best to choose those that you like more than others, whether it's chocolate, cakes, cheesecake or marshmallows;
- white bread and pastries - these products should not get carried away by those who diet, but in the case of an acute need to improve the state of mind, they are quite suitable.
Food rich in tryptophan:
- hard cheese - the record holder, 100 g of the product contains practically full daily norm of tryptophan;
- beans and soybeans - it is best to use soya in the form of soy, not products with it in the composition;
- oyster mushrooms are the only mushrooms that significantly affect the mood;
- processed cheese - not too rich in tryptophan, it is better to use it in combination with other products;
- fatty cottage cheese (best home);
- buckwheat and millet croup (in them the content of tryptophan is not too large).
Food rich in B vitamins:
- liver and other meat by-products;
- oatmeal;
- yeast (including beer);
- leafy vegetables, salads;
- bananas, melons, oranges;
- dates;
- pumpkin.
Food rich in magnesium:
- black rice;
- bran and pharmaceutical fiber;
- prunes and dried apricots;
- sea kale.
Daily including in your diet at least one product from each category (except for simple carbohydrates, which are more suitable for emergency measures), you will provide excellent support to the body and will always be in a good mood.