The average cost of the so-called food basket of happiness is 2740 rubles, analysts of the Sbermarket service calculated.
The list includes bananas, dates, nuts, avocados and other foods high in the amino acids tryptophan and tyrosine, which contribute to the production of hormones of happiness and pleasure.
In addition, the list includes foods containing vitamin D and magnesium, such as sea fish and dairy products. The most expensive product turned out to be sea fish – a piece weighing 300-400 g will cost 547 rubles.
For 1-3 avocados, depending on the size, you will have to pay an average of 272 rubles. Fresh strawberries cost 270 rubles for 250 g. Greens and bananas are the cheapest for Russians – up to 100 rubles.
Service analysts also noted that Russians most often choose products “for happiness” in the spring – sales of the listed products this season are higher by an average of 4-5% compared to the winter months. Nevertheless, buyers prefer to order persimmons in the fall due to the seasonality of this berry.
“One of the most important hormones that contribute to a good mood and a feeling of happiness is serotonin. It is synthesized in the intestines and the brain. The products themselves do not contain this hormone, but the production of serotonin requires “building materials” that we can get from certain foods. Thus, the synthesis of serotonin is impossible without the amino acid tryptophan, ”said nutritionist Margarita Makukha.
Tryptophan is found in bananas, legumes, cottage cheese, dairy products, dates, eggs, fish, molasses, meat, nuts, seafood, seeds, and whole grains, she said.
To turn tryptophan into serotonin, “helpers” are needed in the form of vitamin D (fish oil, sea fish, chicken eggs, fatty dairy products) and magnesium (bran, sesame seeds, cocoa, cashews), the specialist concluded.
Earlier, on March 17, nutritionist Margarita Koroleva explained the connection between overeating and stress and how to avoid being overweight during nervous conditions.
According to the specialist, it is common for a person to succumb to impulsive overeating in order to get himself out of a stressful state, and when excess weight appears, he will continue to rapidly accumulate it. Vitamins of group B, large amounts of magnesium, potassium and other minerals can help to cope with stress, the nutritionist noted.