Eat and Drink Yourself Happy

It really is true that eating certain foods can make you happy. That is probably why eating is a common occurrence at every celebration. While there is no such thing as a happy pill, there is a long list of endorphin-releasing foods that are sure to make you happier. Try any of them if you are feeling down in the dumps. You will be happy in no time at all.

Endorphins are hormones that can make people happy when released into the brain and nervous system through certain activities such as laughing, exercising, having sex, getting a massage, getting sunshine, meditating, owning a pet, and consuming certain foods and beverages.

This article is about 14 foods and drinks that produce endorphins even though there are many more.

1. Apples

An apple a day not only keeps the doctor away, but it can also keep a person happy, according to the British Journal of Health Psychology. Apples produce a calming effect, give consumers more energy, and make them happy.

2. Beans

The selenium in beans gives people energy. They elevate and boost the mood as well as make people happy.

3. Chocolate

There is a valid reason most people love dark. Science proves that chocolate makes people happy by releasing endorphins in the brain. Eating a small portion of dark chocolate at least 2-3 times every week is enough to keep endorphins in the brain.

4. Grapes

Grapes are a good source of endorphins that boost a person's mood. They are convenient to pack in your lunch to keep you feeling good during stressful times at work and when you are out and about.

5. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is not only good, but it is good for you, especially if you are experiencing depression and bad moods. If you want a little happiness, eat just a cupful of Greek yogurt. It will help you relax and stay calm.

6. Strawberries

Strawberries are good for eliminating depression, improving people's mood, and making them happy. Vitamin C in strawberries aids in the production of endorphins. A person gets a double dose of happiness when eating strawberries that have been dipped in hot chocolate.

7. Seafood

The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish increase serotonin and dopamine levels which produce hormones that make you feel good.

8. Spinach

According to the Journal of Physiology, spinach reduces fatigue and lowers the risk of depression because of its folic acid. The green leafy vegetable has natural powers to keep stress away. Eat spinach to keep you happy and in a good mood.

9. Spicy Foods

Here is something to think about. After you eat hot peppers and spicy foods, your brain thinks the burning sensation in your mouth is pain. Your body’s natural reaction is to release endorphins in the brain to turn the pain to pleasure. Eating hot peppers and spicy food will always produce endorphins to make you happy. So, if you want to be happy, eat hot peppers and spicy foods. Put hot sauce on your food as often as you can to release endorphins that will keep you happy.

10. Vanilla

Some aromas like the smell of vanilla can release endorphins. You will be happier all day long if you add a drop or two of vanilla extract to your morning coffee. You can also spritz vanilla essential oil on your pillowcases before you go to sleep at night so you will wake up happy.

11. Walnuts

Eating a handful of walnuts can improve your brain function, according to a study at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. The large amount of omega-3 in walnuts produces endorphins that give people a happy feeling.

12. Alcohol

Some places that serve alcohol at a certain time call it "Happy Hour" for a good reason. A group of researchers at UCSF found that drinking alcohol releases endorphins in the brain that produces feelings of happiness. Remember to drink responsibly. You don't want your happiness to turn into a hangover which is not a pleasant feeling at all.

13. Coffee

Drinking coffee lowers levels of depression, according to JAMA Internal Medicine. Coffee is a mood enhancer that makes people feel good. That's why so many people drink it and say they cannot live without it. Even though coffee drinkers consume several cups of coffee every day, just one cup will lower depression and make a person happy.

14. Ginseng Tea

Ginseng helps reduce fatigue and stress. The good news is that ginseng also releases endorphins in the body. Have a cup of ginseng tea and be happy.

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