Happy Food

Food and nutrients play an important role in maintaining overall mental and cognitive health. After a very dificult 18 months, mental wellbeing has never been more important.

Eating for your mind and body can boost your mood, soothe anxiety, combat depression and support your mental health.

A study in the International Journal of Humanities and Social Science looked at the therapeutic qualities of cooking as a hobby, including its reported ability to cause a dimmed sense of time and an altered sense of consciousness.

Researchers found that the act of cooking improves a person’s wellbeing and is associated with life satisfaction. Additionally, they discovered that cooking was the best predictor of subjective happiness.

• Grow your own ingredients: picking fresh herbs and vegetables and adding them to your dish gives an even greater sense of pride and achievement.
• Cultivate mindfulness: smell the ingredients, feel the texture, notice what happens when you mix different foods together. Take notice of all the senses.

According to meditation experts, Headspace: ‘the art of mindful cooking presents the opportunity to anchor the mind and focus attention on the senses, tuning them into the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of the culinary task at hand. Cooking doesn’t have to be a rushed experience, or something we do on auto-pilot, distracted by thoughts, feelings, and inner-dialogue. In fact, of all the tasks we do in our daily lives, cooking offers a wonderful opportunity for us to train the mind to be present.

FIVE HAPPY FOODS THAT DON’T NEED COOKING

Banana contains tryptophan which is a protein that our body converts   into serotonin. Then this serotonin is the hormone that gives us the bright mood. Also, bananas contain carbohydrates which boost our energy, high potassium content which prevents cramps and is best for individuals who regularly do exercise. It is considered one of the world’s healthiest fruits.

Blueberries are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, which are known stress busters. Also, blueberries are rich in fibre and good for digestion.

Chocolate contains anadamine which is a chemical in the brain that helps brighten our mood. And according to scientists, other chemicals present in chocolate cause anadamine to stay longer, which enhances its positive effect. Also, the sugar in chocolate boosts endorphins.

Packed with minerals such as selenium, protein, and omega-3 fats, nuts are a well known nutritional superfood. They also contain Vitamin E which is an antioxidant that fights stress.  They elevate mood, and are also considered “brain food” with their high content omega-3 fats that improve the blood flow in our brains.

Coconut contains high levels of triglycerides, fats that help aid our mood and foster brain health. Opt for unsweetened, natural pieces of coconut or coconut shavings.