Another popular myth that is widespread on the Internet is that bananas improve mood because of their serotonin content. Although it is true that bananas contain serotonin, it does not cross the blood–brain barrier.
Many of the foods we eat naturally contain serotonin. Bananas are a prime example of nutritious food that may help promote the mood-boosting benefits of serotonin.
Answer. Several fruits and vegetables contain tryptophan, which is a building block to creating mood-boosting serotonin. So if we consume produce rich in tryptophan, our bodies can make more serotonin. Plantains, pineapple, bananas, kiwi fruit, plums, and tomatoes contain high amounts of tryptophan.
The following fruits had a high serotonin concentration (mean +/- SEM) expressed in micrograms/g weight: plantain 30.3 +/- 7.5; pineapple 17.0 +/- 5.1; banana 15.0 +/- 2.4; Kiwi fruit 5.8 +/- 0.9; plums 4.7 +/- 0.8; and tomatoes 3.2 +/- 0.6.
Certain drugs and substances such as caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, NutraSweet, antidepressants, and some cholesterol-lowering medications deplete serotonin and other neurotransmitter levels. Hormone changes cause low levels of serotonin and neurotransmitter imbalances.
The B-vitamins in bananas, like folate and vitamin B6, are key to the production of serotonin, which can help improve your mood and reduce anxiety. For an extra stress-busting boost, top bananas with almond, peanut, or cashew butter.
Want to boost your serotonin levels and lower your blood pressure? Grab an avocado. Rich in B vitamins and potassium, avocados will help stabilise your mood, so now you've got the perfect excuse for another serve of smashed avo on sourdough.
You can also limit foods that can negatively affect serotonin levels. Alcohol, aspartame, caffeine, trans fat, and fructose can be limited or eliminated from your diet to support healthy serotonin levels.
Drinks like green tea and probiotics help to boost serotonin. Other foods containing Vitamin D are also good because Vitamin D activates tryptophan, which leads to increases in serotonin levels. Good sources of Vitamin D foods include cod liver oil, fortified orange juice, and many types of yogurt.
Eggs for Protein
Another good source of protein and a great way to increase serotonin naturally is to look no further than one of America's favorite breakfast foods – eggs.
Bananas. Bananas are a tasty and convenient snack, and bananas help depression. That's because the fruit contains serotonin, an essential neurotransmitter that balances mood and daily functioning. Most antidepressants work to boost serotonin levels in the brain.
This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood, and generally make you feel happier.
Lean proteins include low-fat cheese, chicken, turkey and fish. These foods are high in the amino acid tryptophan, which tends to increase serotonin levels. Tryptophan can also be found in egg whites, soybeans and pumpkin seeds. On the flip side, avoid high-fat cheeses, chicken wings or deep-fried fish.
Several different B vitamins (including B6, B9, and B12) are believed to be essential for serotonin production and release.
In conclusion, the higher levels of serotonin were during the phase of darkness, which varies depending on the region in which it is measured.
Studies have proven that, when we eat chocolate, our brain releases chemicals such as endorphins or serotonin, which are known to be associated with happiness and overall wellness.
The protein content in peanut butter is a source of tryptophan, which increases serotonin levels to help one relax.
Peanut contains a substance that increases serotonin levels that is a major cause of depression. Tryptophan in peanuts increases the release of this chemical and thus helps you fight depression.
Beyond its strength as an antioxidant, kiwi is also a fruit high in serotonin. A hormone that also functions as a neurotransmitter, serotonin is involved in a broad range of physiologic processes: it has digestive and cardiovascular functions, assists in learning and memory, and helps to regulate appetite and mood.
A cup of oatmeal provides tryptophan – amino acid that converts to serotonin – the feel good brain hormone that in turn converts to melatonin – the sleep promoting hormone.
Carbohydrates are thought to increase the amount of serotonin in your brain, which has a calming effect. Eat foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains — for example, oatmeal, quinoa, whole-grain breads and whole-grain cereals.
And as luck would have it, I got accepted into the class! So next time you've got a performance or are about to take an exam, make sure you're eating TWO bananas about 30 minutes beforehand. Trust me, you won't be disappointed and your anxiety levels will thank you.