Oxytocin, the "love hormone" produced by the hypothalamus in the brain, helps us experience feelings of trust, empathy, and connectedness. Childbirth, breastfeeding, and intimacy are stimulants that signal a release of oxytocin into the bloodstream from the pituitary gland where oxytocin is stored. But did you know that there are other ways to enhance this euphoric feeling with food? We're serving up your oxytocin-boosting soymates on a plate that are sure to be a perfect matcha for all our hopeless ramen-tics!
-
Vitamin D-rich foods can activate and control the production of oxytocin.
-
-
Remember which fatty fish are the best for increasing vitamin D consumption using the acronym SMASH (salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, herring). Always relying on salmon? There's other fish in the sea! Use anchovies to provide a rich and briny umami-ness to French inspired olive tapenade. Spread this delectable dip on whole wheat crostini, fresh vegetable sticks, or stacked sandwiches.
-
Mussel up the courage to try sardines as a tuna salad-adjacent snack. Flake canned sardines with a fork and mix with olive oil-based mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, black pepper, pickles, hard-boiled eggs, and onions. Chill for 30 minutes, and enjoy alongside crackers or as the star of a homemade deli sub.
-
-
-
We have so mushroom in our heart for fungi, but find yourself not keen on the texture? Out of sight, out of mind. Grind dehydrated mushrooms with a coffee grinder or pestle and mortar until you achieve a fine magical dust. Use this mushroom powder to add a woodsy ambience to your soups, stews, and pasta dishes.
-
-
-
Other Vitamin D-rich foods: egg yolks, cheese (cheddar, Colby, fontina, Muenster, Parmesan, Monterey jack), beef and chicken liver
-
-
Vitamin C-rich foods support the release of oxytocin from the pituitary gland.
-
-
Make a one in a melon treat, by using water-rich cantaloupe to make quick bread. Similar to the infamous role water-rich bananas and zucchini play in baked goods, cantaloupe provides moisture, and its natural sugars caramelize in the cozy warmth of the oven.
-
-
-
Say goodbye to bland and basic steamed Brussels sprouts! Say hello to this roasted brussels sprouts cheddar soup that's sure to be love at first bite. Still unsure? Do a 50:50 ratio of Brussels sprouts and broccoli for a more familiar flair!
-
-
-
Other Vitamin-C-rich foods: citrus (oranges, lemons, limes), berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), bell peppers, tomatoes, spinach, kale, broccoli
-
-
Magnesium-rich foods enhance oxytocin function.
-
-
Pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate are magnesium-rich besties that can be paired together in this treat that is reminiscent of chocolate peanut butter cups. Take a no-shame-shortcut with store-bought pumpkin seed butter or make your own from scratch.
-
-
-
The powerful proof of chia seeds is in the pudding, but tired of this trending snack? Berry the boredom with this jar of homemade chia seed jam. Combine with almond, cashew, peanut, or pumpkin seed butter on whole wheat bread for major dose of magnesium.
-
-
-
Other magnesium-rich foods: spinach, soymilk, black beans, potatoes, brown rice, bananas
-
-
Healthy fats have an indirect role in supporting oxytocin function by reducing inflammation in the nervous system.
-
-
You know we love to brag on the heart-healthy fat staples (olive oil, canola oil, olives, avocados, nuts, and seeds), but today we're making space for a tahini takeover! Tahini is a paste made from omega-3 fatty acid-rich sesame seeds. If you've already mastered it as an ingredient in hummus, take a walk on the sweet side and make these dark chocolate and pistachio cookies.
-
Until next time...You’re truly the best! Our love for you is like fruit salad-- always fresh and full of zest!
