Eat your way to romance with these mood-enhancing foods
Ruling more than just our energy levels, our diet has a direct affect on the mood we’re in.
Through purposeful eating we can harness the benefits of mood-boosting foods. From natural relaxants to healthy pick-me-ups, or for heightened sensuality — these mood-enhancers taste as good as they’ll make you feel.
For Happiness
Raw chocolate – High in anandamide
Spinach – High in vitamin B
Asparagus – High in vitamin B
Papaya – High in vitamin B
Anandamide is the neurotransmitter that helps our brains temporarily block feelings of pain and depression. Taken from the Sanskrit word “ananda”, it means joy, bliss, or delight.
Long-standing studies have also show that vitamin B (folate) helps reduce symptoms of anxiety.
For Motivation
Bananas – Slow energy release, high in vitamin B
Coffee – Speeds up metabolism
Brown rice – Slow energy release
Honey – High in antioxidants, slow energy release
Eat foods that promote vitality through slow energy release. Natural sugars, carbohydrates and measured amounts of caffeine should keep you up and at it.
For Romance
Oysters – Contains hormone-inducing amino acids
Hot chillies – Stimulates endorphins
Avocados – High in vitamin E
Chocolate – High in anandamide
These foods are nature’s aphrodisiacs. They are proven to increase sexual stamina and they help the production of sexual hormones.
For Relaxation
Chamomile tea – Contains apigenin
Almonds – High in vitamins B2 and E
Red wine – Contains melatonin
Milk – Contains tryptophan
Known for their calming abilities, these foods and drinks contain active properties such as tryptophan – to produce serotonin, a sleep inducing hormone as well as melatonin and apigenin, which act as a a mild sedative.
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