Happy foods - part 1

For the next couple of weeks I’ll be writing about foods that can make you a lot happier if you make them a part of your daily diet. Studies have shown that each of these six happy foods can positively contribute to your wellbeing, you are what you eat right?! The first happy food you'll learn about is probiotic-rich food. 

I have a curious mind that craves to learn about new things. I’m a bit of a nerd, so whenever I get the chance I love to read about science. There are always certain subjects that spike my interest a bit more than others; happiness (combined with science) is one of those for me.

Probiotic-rich foods
For a Dutch study, 20 healthy volunteers were asked to take a probiotic supplement for four weeks. Half of those volunteers did not get the probiotic supplement instead they got a placebo (and they didn’t know that of course). After four weeks, the volunteers who got the genuine supplement showed a reduced reaction to sad moods. This was mainly the case because the volunteers had less aggressive thoughts, they over-thank less and they didn’t obsess on negative aspects.

The conclusion of this study is the amount of bacteria and the type of bacteria in your digestive has influence on your mood. Scientist even named this: ‘the gut-brain axis’, which stands for the communication highway between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain!

So what are probiotics?
Probiotics basically are live bacteria and yeasts that are super good for your health and especially your digestive system! Contrary to what most people believe not all bacteria cause diseases. Our bodies are full of bacteria, good ones and bad ones. Probiotics are often called the good guys because they help keep your gut healthy and they are naturally found in your body. They can also find them in foods (probiotic-rich foods) and supplements.

Where can you find probiotic-rich foods?

Besides supplements, some examples of probiotic-rich foods are; yogurt, sauerkraut, pickles and as a drink, the kombucha tea. In my next article, I will write about the kombucha tea and how to make it yourself. This exotic tea is also known to help you stay in shape and slim down. Awesomeness!

xoxo

Safira Audrey