HEALTH

 

Eating nourishing food is important, and different foods can affect our bodies differently, both inside and out. There are a lot of readily-available foods that are *great* for our health and well-being. We've rounded up some easy ways to incorporate these feel-good foods into your diet. 

1. Oranges and papaya. These fruits are high in folic acid, which creates serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects mood, and the more serotonin released into your body, that happier you feel! Pour yourself a glass of this super easy orange and papaya juice with your breakfast.

2.  Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. These berries can lessen the release of cortisol in your body. Cortisol can negatively affect the part of your brain that stores memories, provides emotional responses and navigation (especially during stressful situations). Try this delish triple-berry smoothie recipe.

3. Oatmeal and sunflower seeds. Just like oranges and papaya, these foods are high in folic acid, which makes them natural mood boosters. Try out these vegan, gluten-free, nut-free sunflower-oat bars for a perfect on-the-go snack.

4.  Bananas. Bananas are a mood-boosting carbohydrate that are full of vitamins, which help convert tryptophan, an amino acid, into serotonin. Try this vegan banana baked oatmeal.

5.  Celery. This crunchy veggie has a chemical called 3-n-butylphthalide, which can lower the amount of stress hormones in your blood. Try ants on a log for the perfect after-school snack.

Which of these super-foods is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! 

Photo credit: Instagram.

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by Julia Bonney | 11/13/2016