Now that Halloween is over, make sure you take advantage of the candy that’s
being sold by your grocery stores.

Many stores have to get rid of it to make room for the Thanksgiving and
Christmas decorations and if you’re not a fan of candy, remember this, in
small amounts (moderation) it (candy) can do everything from boost
moods, lower stress levels and even help you relax.

So, if you need a little less stress and tension in your life, buy the following
candy…

a) Relaxation-
Eating a top quality dark chocolate like a Hershey bar or Hershey kisses boosts
the brain’s production of the natural antidepressants serotonin and dopamine.
Eating an ounce or two each day can help you feel more relaxed in as little as 20
minutes.

b) Boost Moods-
With popcorn balls. Although not as popular as a Snicker’s or Milky Way bar,
this old-fashioned treat can quickly put you in a good mood.
How?
The popcorn (a complex carb) boosts levels of trytophan, the amino acid
used to produce the feel-good neurotransmitters serotonin- by 40% and
the sugar-gives you an instant dose of happiness, which not only helps you
handle stress but also helps synthesize your thinking, giving you a mental edge.

c) Lower Stress Levels-
With some good-old licorice. Eating a few servings of red or black licorice
can help lower stress levels. Credit goes to unique compounds in licorice extract
that help lower stress levels.
Important tip: Make sure to buy licorice that’s “real.” Look for the brand Panda
All-Natural Soft Licorice, available online at Amazon.com.

d) Reduce Tension-
With a Kit Kat bar. A fan favorite for the past 2 decades, this treat made with
chocolate and crispy rice wafers can help you unwind in a matter of minutes.
Crunchy foods instantly reduce tension and frustration by giving your
jaw muscles a workout, loosening tight muscles in your head and neck.

e) A Jolt of Energy-
Some in the medical field advise against using candy as a way to get an energy
boost, but if there’s not a smoothie or bowl of fruit available, then go with a
small bag of M & M’s. Peanut M & M’s to be exact, this treat satisfies your
cravings without triggering blood-sugar surges–and the fatigue that follows.
The proteins and healthy fats in peanuts are so effective at stabilizing blood
sugar, a small bag delivers the same energy boost as a bowl of granola or
large cup of coffee.

f) Remember The “Good-Old Days-”
Want to relive the good olds when you were a child, preteen or teen?
Just open a bag of Candy Corn and place it in a bowl and take a deep whiff.
Simply smelling its sweet scent triggers a flood of happy memories that instantly
puts you in a good mood.

g) Concentrate Better-
Like the Kit-Kats bars, candies like taffy, good ‘n plenty and caramel that require
plenty of chewing, gives jaw muscles a workout, which helps reduce tension so
you can concentrate better.

h) Another Mood Booster-
If your grocery store or the local fair is selling caramel apples, buy a few and store
them in the refrigerator, Why? They work like popcorn balls, as they’re able to
boost moods and energy levels. Apples (especially the skin) are rich in
quercetin, an antioxidant that boosts moods and energy levels.

That’s it, your guide to using up that leftover Halloween candy and improving
moods, lessening stress levels and helping you remember the good times of
your childhood.

Sources:
* British Researchers
* Kansas State University, Research Dept.
* University of Arizona, Research Dept.
* The Journal Science
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