The Happiness Diet: Part 1

The Happiness Diet:

Part 1

According to an article on fitbie.msn.com, staying away from processed foods can have a positive effect on more than just your physical well-being

By Tyler Graham and Drew Ramsey, M.D.

Wild Salmon and Shrimp

You've likely heard that fish is brain food, but you’ve likely not heard how wonderful it is for addressing funky moods. (Related: 6 Supersmart Seafood Choices) When studies compare the mood disorders in different countries, populations that eat the most fish have the lowest rates of depression, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, and seasonal affective disorder (the winter blues).

These fats also seem to play a role in aggression. Young boys with lower levels of omega-3s have more temper tantrums and difficulty falling asleep.

Omega-3s have also been studies as a treatment for a variety of brain-based disorders. A 2008 study found fish oil to have equal efficacy to Prozac in the treatment of depression. Eating omega-3s has also been shown to alleviate the symptoms of depression in more than 60 percent of pregnant women.

Cherry Tomatoes

The same compound that makes tomatoes red, lycopene, helps maintain mood by preventing the formation of pro-inflammatory compounds (Search: What are pro-inflammatory compounds?), like interleukin-6, that are associated with depression. This magical molecule is also known to protect against a vast number of cancers (including breast, prostate, and pancreatic). In a study of elderly nuns, those with the most lycopene in their blood lived on an average a whopping eleven years longer than their sisters with the lowest levels. Organic tomatoes have three times as much of this molecule as conventionally produced ones.

Tomatoes are high in other mood enhancers like folate and magnesium, both used to treat depression. They contain iron, tryptophan, and vitamin B6: the main ingredients needed by your brain to produce important mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Add to this a high concentration of niacin, vitamin K, chromium, vitamin C, and potassium, and it makes sense that tomatoes protect us against choronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. One way these nutrients work is by lowering homocysteine in the blood, a risk factor for depression, heart attacks, and strokes.

Tomorrow will be 3 more tips on the Happiness Diet