Foods that Increase Serotonin

Our body has so many mechanisms and functions taking place at the same time that it is amazing how it manages everything so deftly. To help with all these processes, the body produces varied hormones and the like which help in effective functioning. One of these is a neurotransmitter in the brain known as serotonin. Serotonin is responsible for evoking the feelings of pleasure and calmness in the body. It is due to this neurotransmitter that feelings of anxiety and depression are kept under control. It has been studied that a drop in serotonin leads to depression, anxiety, anger and can also lead to suicidal tendencies. It has also been found that serotonin leads to feelings of satisfaction and satiation and therefore the tendency to binge is brought under control. That is why it becomes important to keep the levels of serotonin high. One of the most natural and easiest ways to do that is to consume foods that increase serotonin levels. In the paragraphs that follow, we will give you the names of some such foods.

Foods That Boost Serotonin Levels

Which foods raise serotonin levels? Lucky for us, there are several foods that help in increasing the levels of serotonin. All one has to do then is to concentrate on finding the kinds of foods that one prefers and include it in their diet. Let's get to these serotonin food types then.

Flaxseed and Flax Oil
Flaxseed and flax oil has been a known cure for several psychological problems that a person experiences. These include anger, depression and/or anxiety. Flax oil and seeds work in the way that they are infused with tryptophan, which is responsible for the production of serotonin. Along with that, it also contains omega fatty essential oils which work in a similar manner. Try and include 2-4 tbs of the oil or the seeds in your daily diet.

Fish and Seafood
A better source of omega 3 fatty essential acids there is none. Add to that the fact that they are infused with EPA and DHA fats and you'll see why this is a highly recommended food to get the serotonin levels higher. These nutrients have been known to curb depression and manic depressive tendencies as well as lead to the feelings of satiation after eating. Fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines are a good source of the same. Make sure to include them in your serotonin diet.

Bananas
Another great source of tryptophan are bananas. Therefore, they are one of the foods that increase serotonin production. Even though bananas have a high content of sugar, when consumed in combination with other foods, it leads to being an advantage.

Eggs
High quality, healthy eggs are a great source of omega 3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA fats as well as natural cholesterol. These 3 factors together lead to an increase in tryptophan levels and thereby to serotonin. Thus there is an instant change in the mood, always for the better.

Proteins
There are certain kinds of proteins that lead to ample production of serotonin and leads to an elevation of the happy hormones and the feel good factor. Foods that contain protein are meats like chicken, veal, lamb, dairy like low fat milk, cheese and legumes and seeds.

List of Foods That Increase Serotonin Levels

Here is a list of foods that increase serotonin naturally and thereby lead to feelings of happiness and relaxation:

• Buckwheat
• Turkey
• Dark chocolate
• Beef
• Beans
• Grains
• Walnuts
• Sunflower seeds
• Sesame seeds
• Pumpkin seeds
• Soya beans
• Yogurt
• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Fruits
• Oatmeal
• Brown rice
• Tofu
• Corn
• Peas
• Almonds
• Peanuts

Consuming these foods that are high in tryptophan and cholesterol will help in increasing the serotonin levels automatically and cause for an elevation in one's mood, there will therefore be less instances of depression, anger and anxiety. Keep these foods that increase serotonin in mind and you're set for whatever is to follow.