One of the most important spices -- Chilli

International best-selling author Michael van Straten notes, "it's a fact that what we eat makes a massive difference in how well feel."

In his book, Good Mood Food, Straten says you can "eat yourself happy -- there's a powerful connection between mood and healthy eating, yet surprisingly few people realize that this link exists."

Mood foods include chilies, and chili spice, which Straten calls "one of the most important spices -- chilli opens up the tiniest blood vessels, leading to an almost instant rush of blood to the head."

In fact, when you take a bite of a beautiful green jalapeno, the response is instantaneous -- thanks to capsaicinoids, notes Dr. Tanya MacLaurin, food and sensory scientist at the University of Guelph. "Capsaicinoids are compounds found in hot peppers ... the spicy heat sensation in the mouth actually releases feel-good endorphins in the brain, allowing for a post-meal euphoria."

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