Foods for Moods

It's a well known fact that certain foods make us feel good. And there's nothing better than hearing that fact supported by science. Take chocolate for example; not only is its smooth, dark, bitter richness incredibly enjoyable to eat, it's also full of anadamine, a mood brightening chemical. Chocolate also contains other chemicals that cause anadamine to linger in our brains for longer periods of time. Yet another bonus of this delectably bitter-sweet substance that we sometimes take for granted, is that the sugar in it also releases endorphins, again enhancing our good mood.

Other foods such as oily fish like salmon (containing omega 3 fatty acids), bananas with their tryptophan and vitamin B filled broccoli are all famed to make us feel better upon consumption.

Another endorphin filled food, said to be addictive, is he humble chili. Eating spicy food releases these endorphins, brightening our mood to the point that the simple action of eating meals with a bit of zing becomes an addiction.

Knowing this, what better way is there to brighten our mood than eating (an enjoyable act in itself) foods that are scientifically known to make us feel good? Or better yet, why not combine these wonderful ingredients to achieve an explosive mood high? One such example of this is the dubious, yet perfect, combination of chocolate and chili; spicy, smooth, bitter, sweet and incredibly satisfying all in one bite. The two flavours compliment each other like no other combination.

Pictured: Chocolate-chili cupcakes.