Feel Good Foods

by Andrea Chervenak

Not only are the following foods good for you, they also taste great, and help you to feel great, too!!
 

1.  Avocados
Rich in potassium, avocados can be helpful in lowering the output of the stress hormone cortisol, and thereby reduce anxiety and other feelings relating to stress!

2. Concord Grapes
Grapes  provide a variety of health benefits.  Eating grapes regularly has been shown to reduce fatigue, perhaps because of their malic acid which is found in ATP, the body’s energy producing molecule.  According to Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, they also contain resversatrol that  has been shown to increase the flow of oxygen to the brain by 30%.  Other possible benefits include allergy relief, combating inflammation, and aid with digestion.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar
A  UCLA  study indicates  that cider vinegar may boost the body’s defenses against infection, as well as flatten bloat by flushing retained water from tissues.   Japanese researchers have observed that vinegar can help block the body’s storage of fat, as well as break down and eliminate 10% of existing body fat!  Recommendations are to take 2 Tbs. a day of unfiltered, unpastuerized vinegar.  (See the 10/5/09 edition of Women First magazine for more details.)

4. Honey
I continue to read more and more about the amazing healing powers of honey, as well as its many health benefits.  Just a teaspoon of honey provides a sustained  energy boost.  Honey also has antibacterial properties so it can be taken to fight off infection – particularly colds and coughs. And I’m told it is also a wonderful healer for the skin – try it on pimples, too!

5. Yogurt
Protein rich yogurts like Greek yogurt or keifer that contain live and active bacterial cultures help to keep the digestive tract healthy…and a healthy digestive tract makes for a healthier, happier you.

6. Sunflower Seeds
These seeds are a good source of protein and fiber, and are rich in selenium, which is supposed to help lift our spirits.

7. Cherries/Sour Cherry Juice
In a study done by the Oregon Health & Science University tart cherry juice is full of flavonoids and anthocyannins with high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers.  Drinking 10.5 ounces of juice twice a week reduced the pain level of runners by 28%.  I love cherries and since I have issues with inflammation, I decided to start eating cherries every day to see if they would help.  After a few weeks I have noticed less aching and discomfort, so I’ve added cherries to my daily diet.  And frozen cherries makes it possible to enjoy them year-round  – my favorite brand is Columbia River,  they are delicious, and of course organic.

8. Walnuts
Rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, which is good for the heart and overall health, walnuts may also be helpful for reducing depression.  Try adding some walnuts, sunflower seeds and cherries to your Greek yogurt for a really super feel-good treat!!

Other foods that  raise serotonin and dopamine levels and may help to elevate mood: asparagus, bananas, black beans, blueberries, broccoli, chickpeas or garbanzo beans, cottage cheese, cranberries, eggs, kidney beans, leafy greens, lentils, mangoes, melons, oats, oranges, poultry, prunes, raw almonds, red beans, sesame and sunflower seeds, spinach, strawberries, turkey and walnuts.  Bon apetit!!

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Questions:  Email: andrea@HealWithHope.com

Thanks to For Women First and Parade magazines for being a source for some of the above mentioned research studies!