But unfortunately, orally ingested serotonin can’t cross the blood brain barrier. So despite the neuro-chemicals they possess, bananas cannot be prescribed as an anti-depressive therapy.
I learned about this fact from: Gharibzadeh et al, Depression and Fruit Treatment, J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2010;22(4).
It’s no wonder carbs are a classic comfort food. The effect of carbohydrates on our mood has been known for centuries. Apparently, when Marco Polo brought pasta back from China, Emperor Fredrick III described pasta using the Greek word “makarios”, which means “happy”.
—I learned about this fact from: Toussain-Samat, M. A History of Food. Wiley-Blackwell: UK, 2009. Fernstron JD and Wurtman RJ. 1971. Brain serotonin content: increase following ingestion of carbohydrate diet. Science, 174:1023-1024.
That Nutrition Girl 