7 Foods And Drinks That Increase Happy Hormones

Illustration of food at the table (Unsplash / Pablo Merchan Montes)

JAKARTA - Happy hormones; dopamine, endorphins, serotonin and oxytocin can be increased by consuming certain foods and drinks. Anything?

The four hormones have different tasks. In the hormone system in the body, dopamine is associated with self-esteem and motivation. Furthermore, endorphins are known as pain relievers. In addition, endorphins also have a role in relieving stress and anxiety.

Oxytocin as the love hormone and serotonin are linked to mood, memory and appetite. So, what foods and drinks can increase the happy hormone in the body? Here's the list.

Chocolate

Illustration of eating chocolate (Unsplash / Andriyko Podilnyk)

Types of chocolate that are high in cocoa or dark chocolate are most effective at increasing the release of endorphins. Dark chocolate which is often known as dark chocolate often makes you more excited. This type of chocolate also increases body immunity, nourishes the heart and improves cognitive abilities.

Milk

Illustration of coffee milk (Unsplash / Lee Soo hyun)

Chocolate when mixed with milk is the right combination of foods to increase happiness. If chocolate increases the release of endorphins, milk contains tryptophan which forms serotonin. That is, to improve bad mood, both these foods and drinks can be consumed.

Nuts

Illustration of almonds (Unsplash / amirali mirhashemian)

Endorphins can be triggered by their release if you replace calorie snacks with nuts and seeds. The content of B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium and zinc can suppress cortisol production. As a result, almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds can suppress feelings of depression and increase happiness.

Apple

Illustration of biting apple (Unsplash / Khamkhor)

Sure enough, the apple of my eye idiom doesn't just come without a reason. Although this idiom symbolizes someone loved, apples themselves have a high antioxidant content. By eating apples, the body becomes more energized, the feeling of being happy is more pervasive and of course, feels happier.

Coffee

Illustration of a cup of coffee (Unsplash / Lingchor)

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, drinking two to three cups a day can reduce the risk of depression by up to 15 percent. In the study, women who did not drink coffee were more likely to experience depression.

Ice cream

Illustration of eating ice cream (Unsplash / Muhammad Ruqiyaddin)

If you eat ice cream, consider portions because they contain glucose and calories. Even so, ice cream contains a lot of tryptophan, the equivalent of milk. This means, serotonin-forming snacks can improve mood.

Avocado

Avocado illustration (Unsplash / Consious Design)

Fruit, which is commonly used as a diet menu because it contains natural carbohydrates, can also reduce stress and make you happier. The content of folic acid makes it recommended for consumption. Not only to improve mood, but also good for the daily menu.