It may sound odd to equate cookies with peace and relaxation, but believe it or not, science has proven that there is a link. Don’t believe us? Take it from Dr. Judith Wurtman, co-author of The Serotonin Power Diet: Eat Carbs — Nature’s Own Appetite Suppressant — to Stop Emotional Overeating and Halt Antidepressant-Associated Weight Gain:
To achieve that sense of “comfort” from a sweet tooth must-have, you have to swallow and digest the sweet food in order to feel the relief you are seeking, if you want the comfort to last more than a few nanoseconds. Why? The answer is that after being digested, all carbohydrates, be they sweet, crunchy, salty, soft, hard, bland or amazingly delicious, will trigger a process in the body that ends up with the brain making new serotonin.
Serotonin, Dr. Wurtman explains, is that feel-good brain chemical that provides much-needed relief from anxiety, depression, anger, and frustration. And while cookies alone won’t fix your problems, they can put you into a relaxed state where you’re better equipped to develop long-term solutions.
But a little goes a long way! According to Dr. Wurtman, it only takes about two tablespoons of sugar to activate serotonin and reduce stress. In other words, don’t overdo it—or you may be creating more problems than you’re fixing. As the old adage goes, “Everything in moderation.”
With that being said, if you’re in full-blown crisis mode and in need of a quick boost of serotonin, we recommend the following cookies:
Ginger Twinkie
Aside from providing an instant mood-boost, the ginger in this cookie can also help reduce nausea, pain, and inflammation.
Brownie
Chocolate may get a bad rap, but did you know it’s rich in antioxidants?
Snickerdoodle
Infused with cinnamon—a powerful spice that’s been widely studied for its anti-cancer properties.
Oatmeal Raisin
Not only are oats naturally nutritious, they’re also a great source of soluble fiber.
Chocolate Chip
We got nothin’ for this one… other than it tastes amazing. Just try it. It’s good for the soul.