This is because, as a nutrient-dense carbohydrate, potatoes trigger insulin to allow tryptophan into the brain. This process ultimately creates 5HTP and boosts serotonin… naturally! So consider eating a potato when you're feeling anxiety start to creep in, along with these other Best Foods for Stress Relief.
“A simple timed snack like a potato helps rebuild the brain and restore serotonin levels.” More than just a mood-boosting comfort food, the potato is also a powerful, economical source of many key nutrients.
Potatoes Contain Sleep-Supporting Vitamins and Minerals
Sweet potatoes also contain magnesium, which aids in the production of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which calms nerve activity and helps you relax.
Potatoes contain vitamins C and B6 (folate), and are particularly high in potassium — higher even than bananas. Potassium helps lower blood pressure, and since most of us get only half of the recommended daily amount, potatoes can help fill this niche.
Foods high in simple carbohydrates, such as pastas, potatoes, breads, pastries, pretzels and popcorn, increase insulin levels and allow more tryptophan (the natural amino acid building block for serotonin) to enter the brain, where it is converted to serotonin.
The potato is actually increasing your serotonin levels. Serotonin levels are directly related to REM sleep and dreaming. These changes in dreams mean spud is working.
A. Yes, it is safe to consume potatoes every day as long as you cook them without much salt or saturated fats. One medium-size potato can be part of a healthy diet. It doesn't increase cardiometabolic risk and the chances of having diabetes and heart disease.
Helps to Relax. According to the book Healing Foods, white potatoes are rich in tryptophan, which has natural sedative properties.
The white flesh of potatoes are a good source of tryptophan, an amino acid that has sedative properties, helping in keeping you stress-free and your nerves calm.
April 25, 2023 – People who frequently eat fried food, particularly potatoes like french fries, have a higher risk of anxiety or depression, according to a new study. Specifically, the results showed that frequent fried food consumption was linked to a 12% higher risk of anxiety and 7% higher risk of depression.
Sweet Potatoes(Rich In Carotene)
Sweet Potatoes are another worth-trying anti-depression food item that contains carotenoids, a type of antioxidant that helps in warding off depression & stress. Besides all the super-rich vitamin B6, B12, Sweet Potatoes are just a delicious treat.
Potatoes contain the second highest levels of choline, next to protein-rich foods, like meat and soya. It's vital to consume enough choline as it's essential for a healthy brain, nerves, and muscles.
Lean proteins include low-fat cheese, chicken, turkey and fish. These foods are high in the amino acid tryptophan, which tends to increase serotonin levels. Tryptophan can also be found in egg whites, soybeans and pumpkin seeds. On the flip side, avoid high-fat cheeses, chicken wings or deep-fried fish.
Several fruits and vegetables contain tryptophan, which is a building block to creating mood-boosting serotonin. So if we consume produce rich in tryptophan, our bodies can make more serotonin. Plantains, pineapple, bananas, kiwi fruit, plums, and tomatoes contain high amounts of tryptophan.
Certain drugs and substances such as caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, NutraSweet, antidepressants, and some cholesterol-lowering medications deplete serotonin and other neurotransmitter levels. Hormone changes cause low levels of serotonin and neurotransmitter imbalances.
Carbohydrates are thought to increase the amount of serotonin in your brain, which has a calming effect. Eat foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains — for example, oatmeal, quinoa, whole-grain breads and whole-grain cereals.
Vitamins B9 and B12 are both thought to treat symptoms of anxiety. Folic acid has many uses in the body, and B9 deficiency has been linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression.
The B-vitamins in bananas, like folate and vitamin B6, are key to the production of serotonin, which can help improve your mood and reduce anxiety. For an extra stress-busting boost, top bananas with almond, peanut, or cashew butter.