The Happiness Diet: These 7 Foods Which Keep You Happy At All Times

Your happiness is in your hands; true it is, but we beg to differ. Your happiness could be on your plate. Yes, food and nutrition are strongly linked to your happiness. And when we say this, we are not referring to the pleasant flavors of some unhealthy foods which you love. Instead of making you happy, these foods could make leave you bloated or constipated. So instead of making you happy, they could leave you distressed for the whole day. The happiness diet includes foods which are nutritious, light, help you stay active all day, and keep the sad blues away as well. After all, your overall health is defined by both physical and mental well-being. So if you wish to keep those sad blues away, it is time to stick to the happiness diet.

Also read: Here's How Being Happy Is Good For Your Health

Here are 7 foods you can include in your happiness diet to stay happy all the time.

1. Green tea

Green tea is one of the healthiest beverages in the world. It benefits both, your physical and mental well-being. Research shows that people who drink three to five cups of green tea in a day are likely to have 20% stress levels as compared to those who do not drink green tea regularly. This result was independent of factors like age, sex, race and overall health. You can include green tea in your diet in a number of ways, like brewing it in your smoothies and curries.

 

Green tea reduces stress levels by 20%
Photo Credit: iStock

2. Raw walnuts

Raw walnuts are a rich source of magnesium; and magnesium is a mineral blessed with relaxation properties. Studies show that eating foods rich in magnesium can be very helpful in managing symptoms of stress and anxiety. Therefore, your happiness diet must include walnuts, either combined with other foods or individually as a snack. Raw walnuts are also rich in phosphorus and antioxidant properties. The low carbohydrate content of this nut also keeps blood sugar levels in check of diabetes patients.

 

Raw walnuts are a rich source of magnesium; and magnesium is a mineral blessed with relaxation properties
 

3. Coffee

A cup of coffee might be your fuel to work on a Monday morning. But there is another benefit strongly associated with coffee; and that is its ability to beat sad blues. So coffee should be an important part of your happiness diet. If taken in moderation, it can have a number of health benefits besides just keeping you happy. Research shows that it lowers the risk of depression in both men and women.

 

Research shows that coffee lowers the risk of depression in both men and women
 

4. Oysters

Oysters are just what you need to boost your sex life. But besides boosting your libido, they can be beneficial for your emotional well-being as well. They are a rich source of zinc and vitamin B12 which boosts your mood and memory. Research shows that it can be helpful for treating mental illness as well.

 

Research shows that oysters can be helpful for treating mental illness as well
 

5. Dark chocolate

One of the many health benefits of dark chocolate, beating sad blues is an important one. The antioxidants in dark chocolate can be very helpful in lowering the stress hormone levels in your body, thereby inducing a sense of happiness.

 

One of the many health benefits of dark chocolate, beating sad blues is an important one
 

6. Berries

A cupful of colorful berries is an absolute delight to look at. But more than that, it is the perfect snack for your happiness diet. Research shows that an antioxidant, anthocyanin in berries, can reduce inflammation linked to depression.

 

Anthocyanin in berries can reduce inflammation linked to depression
Photo Credit: iStock

7. Quinoa

Not many would smile at the thought of quinoa, but trust us, the properties of this wonder food have a plethora of benefits for your mental well-being. High content of flavonoids in quinoa are known to have an anti-depressant effect on people.

 

High content of flavonoids in quinoa are known to have an anti-depressant effect on people
Photo Credit: iStock

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.