Deliberate enjoyment of caffeine or sweetness increases the mood

When everything is dark and dull in the winter outside, many people quickly find their mood. But here can be provided quickly with small tricks for remedy. Because, as the consumer initiative e.V. reports, a cup of coffee or a few pieces of chocolate can improve your mood and well-being. However, it should not be exaggerated, but be enjoyed consciously.
Bleak winter weather beats many people's minds
Cold temperatures, cloudy views and only a bit of sunshine every now and then: the weather in the dark half of the year is causing problems for many people and often causes bad mood, listlessness and a depressed mood. However, according to the consumer initiative e.V., certain foods can help here, because even a deliberate coffee or tea break can have a mood-enhancing effect. Likewise, it might be good for the mood and well-being to eat some pieces of chocolate or a handful of dried fruits.

Consciously used are coffee and chocolate mood enhancers. Image: George Dolgikh - fotolia

"The drinks warm and are soothing. The caffeine in coffee, black and green tea stimulates the nervous system and cheers up. Sweets activate the body's reward system, which increases the mood, "said the nutritionist Alexandra Borchard-Becker, according to a communication from the consumer initiative e.V..

When buying, look for fairly traded products
When eating coffee, tea, cocoa and exotic dried fruits should not be exaggerated, but better consciously enjoyed. Since these are often foods from so-called developing countries, attention should also be paid as far as possible to fair products or fair trade. For the producing small farmers include, among other things, too low and irregular wages, unregulated long hours, inadequate medical care and a lack of social security for everyday life, the initiative continues. Added to this would be "serious health and environmental burdens caused by pesticides and fertilizers," according to the statement.

One of the major fair product recognition logos is the well-known Fairtrade seal, which is reminiscent of a green-blue "yin-and-yang" symbol on a black background. This is awarded in Germany by TransFair e.V., whereby the award is linked to a number of criteria. These include direct trade without intermediaries, pre-financing and long-term supply relationships, the prohibition of child labor, ecological standards and guaranteed minimum prices. (Nr)