Wise choices
Tired, gloomy or sad? The temptation is great to sit on the couch with a bag of chips, ice cream or cookie jar. Rather eat the following products, because they can really do something for your mood.
shivering? Drink ginger tea
Cold and shivering, the feeling that the flu is coming? Drink ginger tea. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, its beneficial effect on digestion and its anti-nausea effect. The pungent taste provides a warming effect, especially in tea. It is of course questionable whether drinking tea has the same effect as eating ginger, but it is worth a try.
Tired? Eat a whole wheat toastie
Many people tend to eat away fatigue with a quick sugar rush, such as a filled bar, glass of cola or hand drops. Sugar does indeed cause a rapid rise in the glucose level in the blood and thus for new energy. But that sugar quickly disappears from the bloodstream, after which the energy level decreases just as quickly. Before you know it, a vicious circle ensues in which you snack again and again for a new burst of energy.
It is better to eat something that causes a slow rise in blood sugar, so that the energy level remains longer. Like whole wheat bread. The great thing is that wholemeal bread contains vitamin B1. It is necessary for the conversion of sugars and other carbohydrates into energy for our body. There is hardly any vitamin in sugar-rich products. Cereal products and pork, in particular, contain a lot of vitamin B1. A lack of B vitamins leads to fatigue and lethargy. So ham on that toast!
Sad? eat chocolate
There is a valid reason to reach for chocolate when you are in a sad mood. Chocolate contains tryptophan, an amino acid that is converted in the body into serotonin, the happiness chemical in the brain. Tryptophan can also be converted into melatonin, the substance that contributes to a good night’s sleep.
Bitter chocolate is also rich in magnesium, a mineral that is partly responsible for the formation of serotonin. Last but not least, chocolate gives most people a feeling of indulgence and comfort, which improves the mood. So enjoy a piece of chocolate and don’t feel guilty afterwards. Because that would spoil the effect again.
Sad? Eat grilled salmon
Oily fish, such as salmon, sardines and mackerel, contain omega-3 fatty acids, an important building block for the brain. Fish is recommended as the best food for the brain and scientific research shows that depression is less common in people who eat fish regularly. In addition, oily fish naturally contains vitamin D, a deficiency of which has been linked to depression and feelings of sadness.
Vitamin D is produced in the skin in the summer months under the influence of sunlight, but in the dark winter months there is little or no production. This can lead to the infamous ‘winter blues’. Oily fish helps boost vitamin D levels, so does taking a tanning bed.
And if you are over 50 (woman) or over 70 (man), a daily supplement with a pill of 10 micrograms of vitamin D is necessary anyway. Throughout the year.
Stressed out? eat Brussels sprouts
Stress demands a lot from your body, especially if it is chronic stress. A reorganization at work, money worries, relationship tensions and other stress factors put the body in a state of stress. Then stress hormones such as cortisol are continuously produced and the immune system is also put to the test. The European Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (EFSA) says that the vitamin folic acid contributes to resistance to stress.
Most Dutch people only get a moderate amount of folic acid. This vitamin, which is important for the nervous system and immune system, is found in fruits and vegetables. Brussels sprouts in particular are real folic acid bombs.
If you’re not a Brussels sprouts fan, give this recipe a try. The secret: cook briefly and then braise in oil.
Unconcentrated? Have a banana
Smartphone, tablet and the internet constantly attack the ability to concentrate. The European Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (EFSA) considers the nutrients vitamin B6 and magnesium proven to help support the ability to concentrate. They are naturally quite common in bananas. There is even no other fruit that provides so much vitamin B6: one banana provides a quarter of the recommended daily amount.
Sources):
- Plus Magazine
