8 Superfoods of Happiness That Keeps Us Healthy & Happy

What we eat matters as it contributes to a healthy body and, therefore, a healthy mind. It is true that we can still be happy with an unhealthy body, but it is that much difficult. As such, we need to know the basic guidelines for nutrition, which would help create a healthy diet and, therefore, a happy diet. With this in mind, in this article we will discuss food options that are considered by many nutrition experts to be the superfoods of happiness. 

1. Dark Chocolate 

You may be surprised to see chocolate as first on the list of foods that result in a happy diet. Many are aware that sugar tastes good and therefore, can make us happy. However, when we crave something sweet, we need to be smart about how to satisfy this craving, as in the modern world today; we have countless unhealthy options presented to us, such as Coca-Cola, processed desserts, and sugary cereals. Most natural sugars present in fruits and vegetables are considered being unrefined and therefore “healthy”, and we should strive to fulfill our cravings with these types of sugar. 

Chocolate is known to be a source of nutritious, sweet happiness, however most types of chocolate have far too many preservatives and sugar, so we are recommended to consume dark chocolate with at least 80% cocoa. Of course, the best thing to do would be to consume 100% cocoa, but not everyone can eat pure 100% cocoa chocolate with a smile on their face, because it is so bitter. 

A forced healthy diet where we are discontent with the food we are consuming is an unhappy diet, as it will cause us stress, which will just take away the benefits given by whatever nutritious food we are eating. Similarly, food that is too bitter can make us rather unhappy, which is why a sweet spot is found somewhere between 80 and 100% dark chocolate pureness. 

Superfoods of happiness, kid picking blueberries

2. Blueberries

Blueberries are considered being a superfood by almost all health experts. They significantly increase antioxidant levels, which help to defend the body’s cells against harmful molecules called free radicals, which are linked to aging and a host of diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. 

3. Camu Camu

Camu camu is a powerful superfood derived from the camu camu berry found in the rich Amazon rainforest. It is a superfood that is incredibly high in nutrients and antioxidants. It is very high in Vitamin C, with 5g containing up to 750% of the RDI. It acts as a strong antioxidant to fight against free radicals and prevents oxidative stress which is caused from the accumulation of these molecules, preventing chronic diseases.  

Superfoods of happiness, a cup of coffee

4. Coffee

Coffee, when taken in moderation, increases focus and concentration and supports our Productivity Pillar. As Productivity is one of the 6 pillars of happiness, food that supplements our efforts to progress towards our goals and achieve more in life will result in higher overall happiness. However, caffeine should be avoided after noon as it will stay in our system for at least 12 hours, and has the potential to negatively impact our quality of sleep.

5. Green Tea

I lived in Japan for many years and came to drink Japanese green tea twice or three times a day. From my own personal experience, it helped to burn fat, increase focus, and definitely boosted my immunity towards common illnesses. Research shows that the antioxidants contained in green tea also contribute to preventing chronic illnesses in the same way superfoods such as blueberries and camu camu do. 

Superfoods of happiness, image of spinach bread

6. Spinach

Spinach is low in calories, yet incredibly high in nutrients. Also high in antioxidants, it reduces oxidative stress, DNA damage and disease. With anti-inflammatory properties, it supports the brain and ageing of the brain. Many vegetarians who may be low in iron can also benefit from eating spinach, as it is a versatile ingredient. Research also shows it helps to reduce eye diseases such as AMD, due to its high content of lutein, an antioxidant prominent in spinach. 

7. Cutting Out Meat

This may be sad news to the omnivores out there, but vegans and vegetarians report lower anxiety and less stress compared to their meat-eating counterparts. Plant foods contribute to lower inflammation levels in comparison to meat, eggs and other animal products. These foods are high in arachidonic acid, which creates high inflammation levels which has been linked to depression. A plant based diet leads to a more positive state of mind. 

Superfoods of happiness, image of banana

8. Bananas

Bananas are high in potassium, but they are also high in tryptophan, an essential amino acid which is vital for creating a beneficial impact on mood, behaviour, and reducing the risks of depression. This amino acid also helps to control aggression, optimising us towards a happy mindset. 

With Health being one of the Six Pillars of Happiness, what we put into our bodies as fuel is incredibly important for a happy life. These top foods are just a few examples of positive fuel needed for our bodies. It’s important to eat well for the long run, and if we take care of our health pillar well, maintaining the other pillars just becomes that much easier!

Picture of Roman Russo: Author of Optimal Happiness

Roman Russo: Author of Optimal Happiness

Roman Russo wasn't always happy and struggled with his own negative emotions, anxieties, and depression, until one day he pledged to resolve this part of life, whatever it took. The journey took 6 years, but it was worth it. Today, Roman considers himself to be one of the happiest people alive, part of the 1% of the happiest elite, and he now teaches others a working and universal happiness formula to reach a similar goal. He offers his best advice on Optimal Happiness social media, newsletter, blog, and books, and teaches a complete and unconditional happiness formula in his online courses.

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“The problem is that of optimization,” states Roman Russo, author of Optimal Happiness: The Fastest & Surest Way To Reach Your Happiest Potential. There is plenty of advice on how to be happier or less sad, but no one is speaking about how to become the happiest we can be. And this is the difference that makes all the difference. By not looking at our maximum potential for happiness, we fall short of achieving it. After all, we all have hundreds of ideas on how to be happier or less sad, but most people still feel like they are not living their best lives. As such, Optimal Happiness explores the question of how to be the happiest we can be, regardless of who we are, where we are from, and what our life circumstances are. It proposes a complete and unconditional formula for happiness and explains how you too can become happy today and forever, inviting you to join the 1% happiness elite and become one of the happiest people alive.

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