In recent years, "dopamine" has become a very popular term, such as dopamine dressing, dopamine destinations, and dopamine girls. Although these terms have different meanings, they are all closely related to happiness. So, what exactly is dopamine? What is its connection to happiness? Dopamine originates from our bodies, and when it is released, we feel joyful and motivated. Besides exercising, certain healthy and natural foods can also promote dopamine production.
What are Dopamine Foods and their Benefits?
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter related to the reward mechanism, also known as the happiness hormone. It transmits signals between the brain and other parts of the body, thus affecting mood, motivation, sleep, memory, attention, and motor control. For example, during exercise, eating delicious desserts, or watching interesting movies, the body releases dopamine, making you feel happy and rewarded, encouraging you to engage in these activities more often.Besides exercising and maintaining good habits and interests, consuming dopamine foods is a healthy and natural way to increase or maintain dopamine levels, thereby increasing happiness, improving mood, enhancing motivation, and improving focus and attention. However, food itself does not directly increase dopamine levels but provides precursors or related nutrients for dopamine synthesis and transport.Here are 5 types of dopamine foods to help you "consume" happiness!
Dopamine Food 1: Almonds
Almonds are rich in tyrosine, a precursor to dopamine, which helps in dopamine synthesis, maintaining a good mood. Almonds also contain vitamin E, monounsaturated fatty acids, and various minerals, proven to be beneficial for cardiovascular health and fighting chronic diseases.
It's recommended to choose raw almonds, which are convenient to bring along and can be eaten with meals daily. Consuming five almonds daily is sufficient.
Dopamine Food 2: Green Tea
Green tea contains unique and natural theanine, which helps promote dopamine secretion, thereby reducing stress and relaxing the body and mind. The catechins in green tea have antioxidant effects, helping to slow down aging and benefit cardiovascular health. Research also shows it helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Drinking 2-4 cups of hot, unsweetened green tea daily is the healthiest as one can absorb its nutrients without excessive caffeine intake.
Dopamine Food 3: Bananas
Bananas are fruits rich in fiber, vitamins, potassium, and vitamin B6, aiding dopamine production and mood improvement. They also help digestion, sleep, immunity, antioxidation, and fight chronic diseases. Overripe bananas have higher sugar content and lower nutrition.
Eating 1-2 under-ripe bananas daily effectively supplements nutrients. Bananas are great pre-meal fruits: at breakfast for constipation, at lunch to reduce fatigue, and at dinner for satiety.
Dopamine Food 4: Salmon
Salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B6, aiding dopamine synthesis and transmission, and reducing anxiety and depression symptoms. Research shows salmon has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-depression, and chronic disease-fighting properties.
It can be eaten in various ways: sashimi, grilled, pan-fried, steamed, in salads, rice, or soups. It's recommended to eat 2-3 servings per week, each about 100-150 grams.
Dopamine Food 5: Sea Cucumber
Sea cucumbers contain 18 amino acids, including tyrosine and phenylalanine, which are dopamine precursors, promoting dopamine production and enhancing happiness. Sea cucumbers also contain unique saponins, mucopolysaccharides, and various trace elements, boosting immunity, improving sleep, reducing fatigue, fighting chronic diseases and promoting overall balance and health.
Sea cucumbers are nourishing and suitable for consumption daily by all ages.
Are Dopamine Foods Suitable for Users Affected by Serious Illnesses?
Users affected by serious illnesses not only face physical pain but also psychological stress. Treatment side effects, physical discomfort, and constant worrying can cause depression, anxiety, and helplessness, hindering a happy life.
The dopamine foods introduced above can stimulate dopamine release, reduce depression and anxiety, increase happiness and well-being, and also provide immunity-boosting nutrients, thereby positively impacting mood and body.
Additional Natural Nutrient: Curcumin
In addition to the above dopamine foods, curcumin, a natural nutrient clinically proven to inhibit abnormal cells and alleviate depression and anxiety, is found in turmeric. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting effects. It's also believed to regulate neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin in the brain, improving mood and mental state.
100% All-Natural Sea Cucumber and C3 Curcumin
Labway Sea Cucumber Curcumin Capsules® is a therapeutic-grade health supplement formulated for users affected by serious illnesses. Its main ingredients are 100% all-natural wild sea cucumber and natural curcumin, both of which help fight serious illnesses and promote dopamine production.
Labway® sea cucumber saponin has been verified by leading universities in Hong Kong to have a suppression rate of over 90%. Curcumin C3 Complex® with a 95% high-concentration of curcumin has been proven its effectiveness in immune-enhancing, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory by over 90 clinical research publications.
These two ingredients synergistically work together as a unique golden dual action formula to attack abnormal cells, relieve discomfort and side effects, and accelerate recovery . This helps users overcome the challenges and continue to enjoy a happy and wonderful life.
Reference Materials:
1. Dr. Kenneth Lai’s Research on The Differential Anti-cancer Effects of Saponins from Different Sea Cucumber Specie (Submitted) 2022.
2. Panahi, Y., Badeli, R., Karami, G. R., & Sahebkar, A. (2015). Investigation of the efficacy of adjunctive therapy with bioavailability-boosted curcuminoids in major depressive disorder. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 29(1), 17–21.
3. 劉景仁博士《天然的小藥丸：抗癌食物及科學依據》
