You probably already know that food plays a major role in brain function, but did you know that the foods you eat can generate an immediate and noticeable difference in your state of mind? For instance, tryptophan is a compound found in foods like turkey, cheese, and eggs. It is a precursor to serotonin. An amino acid, tryptophan plays an important role in the production of proteins and other chemicals found in your brain. When you ingest tryptophan, it is taken up by nerve cells and converted into serotonin (5-HTP), which then crosses the blood-brain barrier where it is converted into dopamine. This process is called tryptophan hydroxylase.
This goes to show that sometimes the things we know about food are just as important as the things we don’t. Here are the some foods that can improve your mental state:
- Nuts and seeds – One of the most significant nutrients in nuts is Vitamin E, an antioxidant that has been proven to slow down the aging process. It also helps stimulate blood flow to your brain, which translates into a clearer mind. In addition to being good sources of Vitamin E, nuts and seeds are also high in magnesium, which is believed to be able to lower your blood pressure and reduce stress levels.
- Oatmeal
Oatmeal is packed with fiber and complex carbohydrates. When carbs are digested, they break down into glucose, which is the brain’s primary source of energy. Fiber in oatmeal also slows the speed at which glucose enters the bloodstream, keeping blood sugar levels stable so that energy doesn’t spike or crash throughout the morning. Oatmeal can also help lower cholesterol levels, which has been proven to be beneficial for overall brain health.
- Eggs
Eggs are a great way to get protein in your diet, as well as vitamins B-12 and E. Protein helps build muscle mass, which increases metabolism and allows you to burn more calories at rest. Studies have shown that people who eat more protein tend to weigh less than those who eat less protein, possibly due to increased metabolic rates after meals containing protein. Additionally, eggs contain a high amount of lutein
