CASS DA RE
<Features Editor>
Are you having one of those slow, dreary days? Maybe you stayed up too late doing readings, and are now regretting it. Or, you stayed up too late not doing readings, and are regretting that. Either way, law school students are by no means known for their persistently perky and positive personalities. We are much more known for studying, late night coffee runs, and those deliciously delightful baked goods in the cafeteria.
Who can blame you, you; the overtired and the overbooked, for snacking on something sweet every once in a while? It is a small momentary escape from the world. And you may rationalize that the sugar will give you more energy; therefore, this little venture into the land of silky smooth cream or fruit filled danishes and croissants sprinkled with a fairy dusting of icing sugar, is in fact a good choice. At the very least, it will make you happy, right?
Wrong. While I’m sure, law student logic is regularly infallible; the sugar rush has gone to your head. Although indulging in dessert foods in strict moderation is part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle; snacking on sweets is not conducive to everyday happiness. A recent article published in the Public Health Nutrition journal and a study conducted in Spain both report that people who regularly consumes commercial baked goods and fast food are at a much higher risk of depression.
Nutritionists and health experts are constantly researching different components of food that strengthen the mind and body against physical and mental illness. Since the 1990s, specialists have been honing in on the world’s top super foods for one’s health and well being. Super foods are packed with various vitamins, minerals and antioxidants at levels that supercede other healthy options. Super foods such as broccoli, blueberries, salmon, wheat germ, and almonds offer extraordinary health benefits.
Eating healthy is obviously a factor in one’s life happiness. Strong physical health decreases stress levels, fortifies one’s immune system, improves appearance, enhances disease prevention, and ameliorates the mind-body connection. Researchers also suggest there are happy foods, food that produces specific mood-enhancing benefits. Nutrition can affect the structure and function of brain cells. Certain foods encourage better communication within the brain, thus effecting moods and acuity.
Osgoode, your happiness challenge is: Eat Happy. Try to incorporate at least one of the following happy foods into your daily dietary regime. Mental health and physical health are intricately connected; accordingly food is an integral part to your happiness.
1. Whole Grains
Whole foods in general are happy foods. Whole-grains such as whole-wheat bread, pasta or rice aid to stabilize blood sugar. Extreme levels of blood sugar are correlated to mood swings and sadness. Eating whole grains at breakfast helps keep you full and energized for the day. Other whole-grain options include steel-oats, quinoa, kamut and spelt.
2. Fat is Good; if it is Good Fat
In addition, foods that contain healthy fatty acids help regulate serotonin. Serotonin has a number of functions, some of which are the regulation of mood, cognitive function, memory retention, and learning. Serotonin friendly foods include nuts, avocados, and salmon. When eating nuts such as almonds, which are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, be sure to eat the raw, unsweetened and unsalted kind.
3. Sweets are Good; if they are the Goods Sweets
Don’t despair, not all sweet treats are off the table. Dark chocolate is an excellent source of iron, antioxidants, and minerals. Chocolate with a high cocoa content also has a low glycemic index, which will not cause one’s blood sugar to spike, unlike other types of chocolate. Dark chocolate is a very complex food, containing over 500 natural chemical compounds. Some of these compounds have been identified as mood-enhancers and pleasure-inducers. For example, the phenylethylamine in chocolate sends a message to the brain to release endorphins, the feel-good hormone. If you pick up a bar between classes be sure the chocolate is at least 70% or higher. As an added bonus, dark chocolate contains caffeine for an extra afternoon energy boost. Who isn’t happy about making chocolate a fortified health food?
4. Switch out Coffee for Tea
Try to switch out one cup of coffee for tea in your day, if you are currently consuming more than one cup of java a day. While coffee contains more caffeine than most teas, the latter is much more 
gentle on the body. Tea holds numerous medicinal properties that are beneficial to your physical and mental health. Like most super foods, tea contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The antioxidants in tea boosts the body’s immune system, prevents cellular damage, reduces the risk of coronary disease, decreases the likelihood of skin disease and damage, and may protect the brain from developing memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease. Particular herbal blends are renown for specific health benefits such as ginger, green, peppermint and rooibos. Choose your blend, and raise a mug to health and happiness.