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As Within So Without

Power up The Positivity

 Five Food That Make You Smile 

Smiling Monkey with a banana on his head


 1. DARK CHOCOLATE:  Kit Kat emoji

I like where this is going. 😋 Chocolate contains a compound called phenylethylamine, and this hard-to-pronounce compound raises the 'feel-good' hormone dopamine in the brain. Chocolate also contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid the brain needs to produce another one of your 'happy chemicals,' serotonin. To avoid guilt-free indulgence, look for minimally processed chocolate, at least 80% chocolate, and control portion size ( 2 oz a day).

“The 12-step chocolate program: NEVER BE MORE THAN 12 STEPS AWAY FROM CHOCOLATE!” 





2. SALT?!?!Salt and Pepper

YUP! Shake that saltshaker, baby. According to research at the University of Iowa, salt is a fast-acting mood booster. Most of our biological systems require salt to function correctly, and we're hardwired to crave the salty treat when we don't have enough in our system. But don't get  too crazy with the saltshaker. Too much of anything can be a good time. No, no no... that's not right... Let's try that again. Too much of anything can kill you... All you need is a little shake, approximately 1/2 teaspoon is enough.

3. MILK A Cow emoji 

 Cows are so awesome!  The amount of Vitamin D in a glass of milk is enough to decrease depression in women by 25% -Journal of Internal Medicine. 


4. SEAFOOD (then eat it) HA!  Fish Emoji

Less than 1% of Japanese citizens suffer from depression. Researchers believe it’s because half of their diet is seafood. Seafood is loaded with Omega 3’s, which help nerve cells in the brain communicate better. The smoother the communication in the nerve cells, the better your mood.  

 

 


5. SPINACHSpinach Emoji

  "I'm strong to the finich, 'cause I eats me Spinach, I'm Popeye the sailor man! (toot, toot)” 

Although I’m pretty sure Popeye’s spinach was laced with steroids, People with the highest level of Vitamin B are least likely to suffer from depression. Spinach is loaded with the B Vitamin Folic Acid, and Folic Acid is crucial for the transportation of feel-good neurotransmitters throughout the brain.

A man smiling big in a lemon shirt

***** EXTRA BOOST of Positivity: SQUEEZE LEMON JUICE ON YOUR FOOD. An Ohio State University study found that the smell of lemon immediately makes you feel calmer and happier. 🍋💘