Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and here at PUR, we’re feeling positively positive. Maybe it’s the good vibes coming from Spring, maybe it’s World Happiness day lingering in our hearts, or maybe, just maybe… it’s purely PUR?
Did you know that the food you eat can affect your mood? That’s right, it’s not just your body these superfoods are saving, but your brain too! If you’re looking to up your endorphins through some tasty snacks, here’s a sneak peek at a few mood boosting munchies to help.
Coffee
Coffee lovers, rejoice, because we’re here to banish the myth that coffee can’t be good for you! While too much caffeine can make you feel jittery and anxious, just the right amount can actually be a good influence on your mood! Caffeine stops a naturally occurring compound called adenosine from attaching to brain receptors. Adenosine encourages tiredness, so by getting rid of this, you’ll increase alertness and attention, thus having a positive effect on your mood. Just remember, everything in moderation. A little bit of coffee can be great for your mood, but too much and you’ll get that caffeine crash.
Craving a coffee boost? Try our Cold Brew + Protein Mylk.
Carrots
Root vegetables like carrots are a great source of fiber and carbohydrates - both of which can boost serotonin production. Nutrient-rich whole carbs can help to lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, as well as help an amino acid called tryptophan more easily cross the blood-brain barrier. As more tryptophan enters your brain, more serotonin is formed.
While you might think fiber is just gut friendly, it’s also brain friendly too! Fiber fuels the production of bacteria in your stomach, and some of these little gut bugs produce neurotransmitters that send serotonin shout-outs throughout your nervous system. In fact, 95% of your serotonin is produced in your gut! Happy belly? Happy brain.
Want to make your serotonin soar? Try our Sunny Citrus Cold Pressed Juice.
Chia seeds
They’re tiny but mighty. Chia seeds are packed full of nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fiber and micronutrients, and on top of that they’re also teeming with mood enhancing magnesium. Research has shown magnesium can regulate the HPA axis, which is just a fancy way of saying it regulates your body's response to stress. By increasing your magnesium intake, you’re encouraging your brain to stay cool, calm and collected, which is then reflected in your mood. Don’tchia worry, just be happy!
Want to chill out with some chia? Try our Blue Chia Cold Pressed Juice.
Beetroot
Not only does beetroot benefit your physical health, it’s here to provide some magic mental merits too. Beetroot is proven to increase blood flow to the frontal lobe of the brain, which leads to improved decision making and working memory. As well as making you super smart, It’s also an excellent source of uridine, a substance which helps boost and maintain dopamine levels in your brain. Many people report enhanced feelings of ‘well-being’ after consuming beetroot juice, so you’ll be left feeling brainy and blissful! What more could you want?
Want to banish bad vibes with Beetroot? Try our Raw Red Cold pressed juice.
Kale
Honestly, what doesn’t kale do? To start with, it’s rich in B vitamins, which play a vital role in producing brain chemicals that affect mood. To put it simply, B vitamins = be happy.
It doesn’t stop there though! Kale is also rich in flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol, which work as natural antidepressants by increasing the amount of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain.
Already sold? Well, there’s still more to go! Kale is packed full of magnesium, another serotonin booster. It’s also a great source of energy from its high iron content, and high energy leads to good energy, people! Phew - we think we need a boost after breaking that one down. Who’s got some kale?
Want to add a kale kick to your diet? Try our Greens Cold Pressed Juice.
While all of these foods are great for creating good vibes and enhancing your mood, it’s important to remember your main source of happiness - you!
Whether it’s as simple as smiling in the mirror, or stopping to smell some flowers, be a source of happiness in your own life! Be kind to yourself, because you deserve it.
And if you need a little boost some days? You’ve got PUR to help.
