Stuttgart (dpa) - The feeling of sadness which affects many people at the onset of autumn can easily be relieved with a balanced diet. The "good-mood hormone" serotonin, as found in bananas, is especially commendable, says "Reader's Digest" in its November 2001 issue, citing health expert Professor Hademar Bankhofer.

The trace element zinc, found in fish and oat flakes, also help improve mood. Zinc and other trace elements such as a potassium, magnesium and iron can also be obtained from pumpkin and sunflower seeds.

Noodles contain carbohydrates which increase blood-sugar levels which in turn creates a feeling of well-being. A real "tonic" during grey winter and autumn months is a bowl of yoghurt with eight chopped walnuts and two teaspoons of honey. Meat consumption, on the other hand, should be cut down at this time of the year as too much of it inhibits production of serotonin.

　　From Healthy.net