Mood Food
Consumers who remember sitting at the dinner table as children in front of a plate of broccoli certainly know what food put them in a downtrodden mood. However, as adults, it’s possible that roasting their broccoli turned them into lovers of that miserable vegetable from long ago.
Fruits’ sweet-kick rarely disappoint any age group that indulges in a farmer’s market supply, and there may be certain foods that put a smile on most consumers’ faces. Because multiple factors influence mood, it is difficult to determine if it’s the food that raises your spirits, but it sure lightens the spirit to experiment with mood food and enjoy the journey with a smile.
Fruits to Boost Happiness
Consumers can pack their picnic basket with blueberries, figs, bananas, and plums for a joyful day at the park. Each fruit has benefits that lift spirits.
- Scientific studies prove that eating a one-and-a-half cup of blueberries has a remarkable effect on mood, as well as memory capacity and decision-making. The anthocyanins, or flavonoids, in blueberries fight inflammation and is one of the reasons they improve mood. As an added benefit, that serving of blueberries meets 40 percent of consumer’s daily supply of vitamin C.
- Another fruit to lift the mood and improve brainpower is the fig. The sticky, seeded fruit is high in potassium, allowing brain cells to do their job. It is also full of vitamin B6, which works with the neurotransmitter system of the brain. If dopamine and serotonin increase, smiles will follow. Figs also contain manganese, a mineral that prevents damage produced by free radicals, which are unstable atoms that damage cells.
- Plums are another fruit in battle with free radicals. The high amount of antioxidants in plums fight aging, and what consumer isn’t going have their mood lifted when they feel younger. Many people describe antioxidants as a super ingredient, and with plums so high in them, they are considered nature’s beauty product, and a key functional food.
- Bananas are a powerhouse for professional and armchair athletes alike. The complex carbohydrates contained in bananas convert into glucose that results in a physical and mental energy boost. People feel better after eating them and perform better once consumed. It’s a win-win for both the competitor and the couch potato.
Whether people consume their fruits fresh, frozen, or dried, the benefits of their consumption will outshine dark days. Brands that include fruit in their products will help improve customer’s health while boosting their mood. The earth’s bounty will make the job easy.