It's almost spring. Almost. At least, that's what you repeat to yourself as you shiver on frigid early March mornings. If you're feeling stressed out by the "it's still winter?" blues, you may be resisting the urge to turn to comfort food to soothe your problems. But before you throw away that macaroni and cheese that's calling your name, listen to this: Certain comforting foods have compounds that can make you feel happier on a molecular level. That's right: It's not just the flavor of buttery mashed potatoes that makes you smile — it's the chemical composition, too. Check out these six foods that'll make your tongue and body feel better, helping you shake off that winter gloom.
Potatoes power up feel-good serotonin.
You’ve probably noticed that you feel calmer and more content after digging into a yummy baked potato or plate of home fries. And researchers may have figured out why: Potatoes boast rich stores of tryptophan and potassium — nutrients your brain and digestive tract use to produce the mood-steadying hormone serotonin. Tip: Keeping the skins on your spuds will give you the biggest potassium boost.
Cheese adds an ooey goodness to many of our favorite foods, and it comes with an added perk: Its unique combination of dairy fats and protein may boost the production of a hormone (norepinephrine) that fosters an energetic, can-do attitude. A new study suggests regular consumption of high-fat dairy like cheese may even be associated with a lower risk of depression.
They add a fun pop of color to any plate, and eating 1 cup of carrots daily may reduce tension, edginess, and anxiety, suggests a University of Georgia study. Experts say the plant pigments that give carrots their deep orange hue (carotenoids) tamp down the adrenal glands’ release of the troublesome stress hormone cortisol.
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, First For Women.
You've probably noticed that you feel calmer and more content after digging into a yummy baked potato or plate of home fries. And researchers may have figured out why: Potatoes boast rich stores of tryptophan and potassium — nutrients your brain and digestive tract use to produce the mood-steadying hormone serotonin.
Potatoes are a nutrient-dense complex carbohydrate, with around 26 grams of carbohydrate per serving – making them a wholesome choice for comfort foods that can be enjoyed alone or easily dressed up with spices, cheeses, and oils.
If you are on a weight loss diet, you can still eat potato everyday, provided you do not overeat, follow portion control, maintain calorie deficit and do not cook your potatoes in a way that makes them high in calories – such as fried or topped with cheese.
Potatoes are abundant in potassium, says the National Institutes of Health, a mineral that supports your nerves, muscles, kidneys and heart. Potassium also plays a key role in regulating blood pressure.
Tryptophan, which is naturally found in potatoes, is a natural sedative that promotes restful sleep. In addition, the potassium in potatoes acts as a muscle relaxant, ensuring a more restful sleep and more relaxed body.
After taking into account the mineral density, the vitamin density, the macronutrient balance, the sugar-to-fiber ratio, the sodium-to-potassium ratio, and the phytochemical profile, red potatoes are the healthiest potato with data from the USDA Food Database.
The Bottom Line. You are better off tossing potatoes that have turned green or grown sprouts. Eating them puts you at risk for toxicity from solanine and chaconine, 2 natural toxins found in green or sprouted potatoes.
Potatoes. “Starchy carbohydrates also boost the brain chemical serotonin, which has a calming effect. Examples of starchy carbohydrates include potatoes, bread, cereals, rice and pasta.”
Of rice, pasta, potatoes, and bread, potatoes are the healthiest of these starchy and complex carbohydrate foods. This is because potatoes are dense in nutrients, containing essential minerals, vitamins, and other micronutrients. Potatoes are also high in fiber, helping to satiate hunger and regulate blood sugar.
On the potato diet, you eat only plain potatoes for 3–5 days. It's claimed to aid weight loss, restore gut health, and boost immunity. Though it may help you lose weight, it hasn't been studied, is extremely restrictive, lacks certain nutrients, and may lead to unhealthy eating behaviors.
So, experts agree that steaming and air frying your potatoes is the best way to cook them for healthy weight loss. They also recommend cooking with minimal oil with unsaturated fats like avocado oil and choosing toppings and herbs that are low-calorie and anti-inflammatory.
The bottom line is yes, bananas are good for you. They provide an impressive hit of potassium, fibre and tryptophan, meaning they can support your gut, heart and mood. What's more, bananas contain carbohydrates and natural sugars, making them an energising choice for before a workout.
In general, a balanced diet that is good for the liver should include a variety of fruits and vegetables, starchy carbohydrates (potato, rice, bread, and pasta), milk/soy drinks, beans and pulses, meat (fish and egg), and unsaturated oils. Food items that are high in fiber are good for optimal liver functioning.
The National Kidney Foundation classifies potato, white and sweet, as a food with high potassium content (more than 200 g per portion) and recommends a limited intake, although culinary techniques for minimizing potassium content are applied.
Some fruits and cooked vegetables are easy on an upset stomach. For example, applesauce, bananas, and potatoes provide essential nutrients you may lose if you have diarrhea or vomiting.
Starchy, plain foods like rice, potatoes, and noodles are good choices when you're nauseous. They're easy to prepare and high in calories. They also help settle your stomach.
Their flavour and texture can bring back memories of happy times from your childhood or family, creating a sense of well-being and nostalgia. Secondly, as potatoes have a high carbohydrate content, they can help increase serotonin levels in the brain, a neurotransmitter linked to well-being and happiness.
Boiled potatoes are easy to digest and can provide a starchy source of energy when you're feeling weak due to stomach issues. Avoid adding butter, spices, or heavy toppings. Instead, consume them plain or with a little salt for taste.
Introduction: My name is Allyn Kozey, I am a outstanding, colorful, adventurous, encouraging, zealous, tender, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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