Produced by nerve cells, serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is essential for regulating emotions. It is believed that serotonin plays a crucial role role in anxiety and sexuality. It also curbs your appetite, preventing you from overeating. Low levels of serotonin can cause depression, anger, insomnia and mental illness. Many foods have been shown to build serotonin, boosting your mood.
Carbohydrates
When you eat carbohydrates your insulin levels increase, moving the amino acid tryptophan -- the building block for serotonin -- into the brain. Without tryptophan in the body, the brain cannot produce serotonin. High quality carbohydrates, like sweet potatoes, whole grain rice and pasta, trigger the release of serotonin, helping to boost your mood. A study reported by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2004 suggests that the brain makes serotonin only after a person consumes sweet or starchy carbohydrates consumed with little or no protein.
Turkey
Turkey is one of the best protein options to build serotonin because it contains higher amounts of typtophan than most other proteins. Typtophan is found in in all protein foods in some amount and is essential in the production of serotonin in the brain. It may cause you to feel sleepy, which explains why many people feel this way after eating turkey. Turkey is also rich in essential fats that contribute to healthy brain function.
Flaxseed
Flax is a small brown seed that is sold as a whole seed, ground up or as an oil. Flaxseed is a dietary source of tryptophan and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are essential to maintaining proper brain function and production of serotonin. Flax is commonly taken as a supplement or added to foods.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate that contains at least 70 percent cocoa is another good food to build serotonin. It not only contains the amino acid tryptophan, which sets the foundation for serotonin production, but it will keep your blood sugar from spiking so that serotonin production does not drastically plummet.
Member Comments