From young children to great grandparents, sweet food has a way of brightening your day and easing your troubles. Although some people go overboard with their sugar intake, a dessert enjoyed in moderation is a welcome treat that can improve your mood.
While some sweet treats invoke childhood memories and have a positive mental effect on your disposition, other foods, like dark chocolate, contain a chemical substance that alters your mood and eases tension. Sugar stimulates endorphins and produces a temporary rush, but by itself, sugar is not responsible for improving your mood. When you combine sugar with a well-loved and easily recognizable dish or candy, the pleasing effect is immediate.
Here are some sweets that consistently bring happiness.
Invented in Germany in the early 20th century, gummy bears are a worldwide favorite that is especially appreciated in the United States. The chewy, gelatin-based treats were inspired by dancing carnival bears and were initially intended to appeal to children. However, the gummy industry rapidly expanded since its roots in the 1920s. Gummy vitamins, supplements, candy, pet treats, and other wellness products are dominating the markets. All ages enjoy the soft, sweet bears, but adults can benefit from eating cbd gummies to improve their mood and moderate their sleep.
While a banana split may cheer you up because of nostalgia, the classic dessert also has a chemical advantage. Bananas, loaded with potassium and vitamin B folate, are essential for fighting off depression. The fruit also contains the chemical tryptophan that moderates your mood. With the addition of vanilla ice cream, melted chocolate, nuts and berries, the banana split is guaranteed to make you happy.
While a banana split may cheer you up because of nostalgia, the classic dessert also has a chemical advantage. Bananas, loaded with potassium and vitamin B folate, are essential for fighting off depression. The fruit also contains the chemical tryptophan that moderates your mood. With the addition of vanilla ice cream, melted chocolate, nuts and berries, the banana split is guaranteed to make you happy.
A simple dessert that will always bring a smile to your face is strawberry shortcake. Fresh strawberries macerated with sugar, tender shortcakes and whipped cream are an indulgent treat that tops off an old-fashioned family meal. Strawberries, along with raspberries and blackberries, contain the flavonoid anthocyanin. The chemical is responsible for reducing inflammation and may help reduce periods of depression. There are several variations of the traditional dessert, but you can’t go wrong with the classic layered strawberry shortcake.
If you loved chocolate chip cookies when you were younger, you’re likely to continue enjoying them as an adult. The most popular cookie in the world takes less than thirty minutes to make and is served in several creative forms. Some of the most common versions of the famous cookie include soft-batch cookies, cookie pizzas, miniature cookies, cookie dough ice cream and chocolate chip cookie sandwiches with ice cream. Chocolate is created from the cacao pod, and its stimulating effects can lift you up. When you combine it with a batter composed of protein-rich eggs and a generous portion of sugar, the result is pure enjoyment.
If you loved chocolate chip cookies when you were younger, you’re likely to continue enjoying them as an adult. The most popular cookie in the world takes less than thirty minutes to make and is served in several creative forms. Some of the most common versions of the famous cookie include soft-batch cookies, cookie pizzas, miniature cookies, cookie dough ice cream and chocolate chip cookie sandwiches with ice cream. Chocolate is created from the cacao pod, and its stimulating effects can lift you up. When you combine it with a batter composed of protein-rich eggs and a generous portion of sugar, the result is pure enjoyment.
Milk chocolate is beloved by the United States and Germany, but to get the greatest benefit from cacao, you can try dark chocolate. Chocolate mousse is a decadent treat best reserved for special occasions, but you can tone down the sugar and increase the cacao for a healthier alternative. Dark chocolate is available in several different cacao percentages, and nutritionists recommend using chocolate with at least 85% cacao to benefit from the stimulating effects.
Warm apple pie with a side of vanilla ice cream brings back memories of holiday gatherings and dessert time at grandmother’s house. The tender crust and sweet filling are enough to brighten your mood, but you also benefit from the vitamin-rich apples. Apples contain vitamin C, potassium, vitamin K, manganese and copper and are high in fiber. While most traditional recipes focus on using tart apples like Granny Smith or Gala, more dessert chefs have begun using sweeter varieties like HoneyCrisp, Red Delicious and Fuji.
When you’re feeling down, it’s OK to indulge in a sweet treat to lighten your mood. Whether it's chemically beneficial or psychologically pleasing, sweet food can take your mind off of the world.
Warm apple pie with a side of vanilla ice cream brings back memories of holiday gatherings and dessert time at grandmother’s house. The tender crust and sweet filling are enough to brighten your mood, but you also benefit from the vitamin-rich apples. Apples contain vitamin C, potassium, vitamin K, manganese and copper and are high in fiber. While most traditional recipes focus on using tart apples like Granny Smith or Gala, more dessert chefs have begun using sweeter varieties like HoneyCrisp, Red Delicious and Fuji.
When you’re feeling down, it’s OK to indulge in a sweet treat to lighten your mood. Whether it's chemically beneficial or psychologically pleasing, sweet food can take your mind off of the world.