Food That Makes You Feel Happy ( And They are Healthy)

With everyone already happy due to the holiday, I thought I would suggest a few snacks that will increase it even more.

Bananas

As they contain Vit. C, A and B6 along with fiber, tryptophan, potassium, phosphorous, iron, protein, and healthy carbohydrates, bananas can really boost your mood.

If you want to know why-- it's because the quick boost from the fructose will be sustained by the fiber which prevents a blood sugar spike. The healthy carbs help you absorb the tryptophan while the Vit B6 helps convert the tryptophan into mood-lifting serotonin. (And I just thought they tasted good!)

Walnuts
You can find omega-3s, vitamin B6, tryptophan, protein, and folate in walnuts.

Turns out that higher blood levels of omega-3s have been linked with better mood and lower rates of depression.

Sunflower Seeds
These seeds are a good source of folate and magnesium. (A handful of sunflower seeds delivers half the daily recommended amount for magnesium so just add to that to your salad. My kids even eat these as snacks.)

Magnesium has been shown to create a calm and relaxed state. Studies have shown magnesium supplementation to be beneficial in treating major depression, suicidal tendencies, anxiety, irritability, and insomnia.

To find other happy foods see Care2.com