Eat better, be happier

Some people think healthy eating is a boring necessity to prevent modern diseases. As such, it can seem to be not worth it. Why would you suffer your entire life, just so that you can live a little longer?

A more important reason to eat healthy is because it will actively improve your live now. What you eat has immediate effects on how you feel and how you think. The articles mentioned below go in depth as to what to eat and when, but be aware that nutrition science is not an exact science. What works for one person, may not work at all for someone else, and there is still much controversy over what foods are best for what purposes. I think it is best to avoid junk food and eat more vegetables, especially at lunch. Beyond that it may be helpful to log your food intake and your moods for a couple of days, to see if you notice a pattern.

The authors of the articles mention animal products as main sources of some nutrients. Here are some vegan alternatives:

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Walnuts, flax seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds and leafy green vegetables and/or a DHA supplement.
• Tyrosine: Sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, soy beans.
• Choline: Soy beans, green vegetables or again, a supplement.

Further reading

• 10 foods, eating habits that can help emotions soar
• Brain Foods
• Does Eating Salmon Lower the Murder Rate?
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids influence mood, impulsivity and personality, study indicates
• Choline enters the nutritional limelight
• Eat Smart: Foods may affect the brain as well as the body

Of course, nutrition is only one aspect of health, and only one aspect of feeling well. For other ways to improve the way you feel and think, check out these links:

• 11 steps to a better brain
• New Scientist Special Report on The Human Brain
• Simple ways to make yourself far cleverer
• Angry/negative people can be bad for your brain
• Buff and Brainy: Exercising the body can benefit the mind

April 24, 2006