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NOURISHMENT
(II)
FOODS
THAT MAKE US HAPPY (I)
Recent research has confirmed
the existence of a link between eating certain types of foods and the act of
feeling better, relaxed and even content, with the production of substances at
a cerebral level which determine our state of mind, our performance and our
behavior.
BANANAS
Stress and the lack of
magnesium are so closely related that it is advisable for those who lead a
very fatiguing life to add foods rich in magnesium, such as bananas.
Increasing the intake of magnesium reduces anxiety and makes for better
sleeping.
Other sources of magnesium
are walnuts, legumes, vegetables and wheat germ.
ORANGES
Two glasses (350 ml.) of fresh
orange juice are enough to diminish nervousness, bad moods and depression; low
lack of vitamin C, the nutriment which favors the secretion of thee
noradrenaline, could provoke irritability and dejectedness.
Also, not eating foods rich
in said vitamin prevents the organism from absorbing the iron necessary for
fighting fatigue.
WALNUTS
Due to the type of soil in
which they grow, Brazilian walnuts are rich in selenium, which, according to
certain research, are related to pleasant disposition, one or two walnuts
suffice.
Other sources of selenium are
fish, seafood, beef and whole-wheat bread.
The majority of foods contain
one or several of the 20 aminoacids (which are the principal constituents of
proteins, both animal and vegetable).
These substances compete with
one another to feed the brain. Eating a few slices of whole-wheat bread
contributes to our "hearing" the message of the tryptophan aminoacid, to wit "get happy"
Once it reaches the brain,
the tryptophan increases the serotonin, a cerebral substance which
tranquilizes and enhances the mood.
The secret is in eating the
bread before meat or cheese, which are rich in protein, so that the tryptophan
may reach the brain before the other aminoacids.
CHOCOLATE
Ninety percent of all women
have a craving for chocolate, especially when they are premenstrual or are
bored or very tense.
Some experts believe that
like many other foods sweet and rich in carbohydrates, chocolate can have a
soothing effect; others, however, consider that the caffeine and other
substances contained in chocolate could act as stimulants. Be that as it may,
the very pleasure to the palate suffices to make one feel happy.
FOLLOWING:
FOODS THAT MAKE US HAPPY II
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