April 17, 2018
Food is not only a means of keeping your body in tip-top shape but your mind and emotional health as well. With busy lives and constantly being on the run we tend to grab whatever we can for a meal to stop our tummies from rumbling. But did you know that what you consume could be affecting your overall emotional health? Better stated, did you know that what you consume can make you happy? That’s right! Certain foods that you consume can help lift your spirits and start your day off on an emotional high. One of my favourite drinks is a Banana Nut Flax Smoothie that I call the Happy Smoothie. Each ingredient plays a key role in lifting and maintaining your emotional wellbeing.
Did you know that bananas contain tryptophan, an amino acid, that the body converts into serotonin? Seratonin is the ‘happy hormone’ that is responsible for lifting your mood.
According to Arizona State University researchers, an increased intake of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is a form of omega-3 found in flaxseeds and walnuts, can assist in helping you feel happier. Walnuts also contain vitamin E, folate and melatonin. The amount of light you get each day, or lack thereof, determines how much melatonin your body makes. On those dark and dreary days, assisting your melatonin intake (naturally) is a great thing!
Oh and let’s not forget about Chocolate/Cocoa! Just saying it makes me happy! Chocolate is the world’s most widely consumed psychoactive drug and contains both serotonin and tryptophan. There are other molecules in chocolate like flavonoids, which some medical professionals believe have a positive effect on cardiovascular health.
So what are you waiting for? Try whipping one up for a great start to your day.
Banana Nut Flax Smoothie
Recipe
- 1 Banana
- 1/4 Cup of walnuts or cashews (soaked in water overnight)
- 1/2 Cup of almond or cashew milk
- 1 Tsp cocoa
- 1 Tbsp of ground flax seeds or 1 tbsp of flax oil
- 5 Ice cubes
Ingredients
- Soak nuts overnight in water to soften
- Drain water
- Blend all ingredients in your blender
- Top with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg – Enjoy!
