A Study Revealed Which Foods Bring Happiness to People of All Ages 0 24

Nutrition affects not only physical health but also a person's emotional well-being. It is no coincidence that many of us cope with stress by indulging in our favorite treats. However, there are foods that, regardless of age and external factors, contribute to maintaining a positive mood. Ural researchers have found that this is related to the content of melatonin in these foods.

The study involved 557 volunteers, predominantly women (79%) aged between 50 and 90 years. All respondents underwent in-depth interviews. Analysis of the collected data showed that there is a connection between a high level of life satisfaction and the regular consumption of foods containing melatonin, such as pistachios, sour cherries, almonds, fatty fish, and milk.

The more melatonin-rich foods in the volunteers' diets, the more stable their emotional state was, cognitive functions improved, and signs of depression were virtually absent.

Olga Dorogina, a senior researcher at the Neurotechnology Laboratory of UrFU, noted that the study's results are particularly relevant for elderly people. Melatonin, among other benefits, reduces the risk of developing oncological, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases, which in turn improves the quality of life. The researchers reported this in an article published in the journal Nutrients.