Monday, January 24, 2011

Ten Great Foods That Can Make You happier

Scientific studies show that foods such as deep sea fish, bananas, grapefruits, all wheat bread, spinach, cherries, garlic, pumpkins, low fat milk and chicken can actually help fight against depression.

1)  Deep sea fish
A study by Harvard University points out that the Omega-3 fatty acid contained in deep sea fish functions the same as anti-depression drugs in that helps calm nerves and increases the secretion of serotonin. (Note from Soutenus - I have noticed a MUCH greater tendency toward feeling depressed when I forget to take my Phytomega) ------>

2)  Banana
Banana contains a natural chemical compound called alkaloid, which gives people a psychological boost. Bananas are also a source of tryptophan and vitamin B6, both help the brain to manufacture serotonin.

3)  Grapefruit
Grapefruit is rich in vitamin C, which improves the body's resistance by maintaining the density of red blood cells and is also a good combatant against stress. What's more important is that vitamin C is an indispensable element in making dopamine and adrenalin, both chemicals that can stimulate excitement.

4)  All-wheat bread
Carbohydrates increase the secretion of serotonin. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers say it makes good sense that some people eat desserts and food made with flour as anti-depression drugs.



5)  Spinach

Researchers find that lack of folic acid leads directly to a decrease in serotonin which could lead to depression. Spinach is well known for its abundance in folic acid.

6)  Cherry
Western doctors call cherry a natural aspirin because this fruit contains a material called anthocyanin which can make people happy. Researchers at the University of Michigan point out that eating 20 cherries is more effective than medicines that relieve depression.

7)  Garlic
Garlic gives people a bad smell yet a good mood. German researchers conducted a study on garlic and found out that when people who are highly strung eat garlic, they show less of a tendency to be anxious and angry.

8)  Pumpkin
Eating pumpkin can help get people into a good mood because it is rich in vitamin B6 and Iron, which both transform the sugar stored in the body to glucose, which fuels the brain.

9)  Low fat milk
Studies find that after taking calcium pills for three months, those women with pre-menstrual syndrome have a less stressful time and are less likely to feel nervous or anxious. Milk, yogurt and cheese are a major source of calcium. Low fat or skim milk contain the most calcium.

10)  Chicken
After some British psychologists feed their subjects 100mg of selenium, they found that their subjects all felt happier. Chicken is a major source of selenium.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Paper Toys

I found an adorable site filled with PAPER TOYS. Obviously not for babies!
But our babies do grow up so quickly! These are wonderful for keeping little hands busy at craft time.
PaperToys
Here is a cute example. This is a marble mouse:
The templates are free and the ideas are simple.
These Marble Mice can roll around on a desk and keep your cat entertained until your little one is old enough to enjoy SAFELY. You know, when they are WAY past the "puts everything in the mouth" stage! LOL