Foods That Can Improve Your Mood

It’s a known fact that in order to perform even the smallest of the daily activities, one needs to have sufficient amount of energy in his body; and to get this energy, he need to eat food. However, did you know that certain foods can help you in switching your mood to a positive direction and bring a smile to your face? Surprised? Don’t be.

Although cookies are among those foods which bring a smile to the face, sugar in them results in destabilization of the mood and therefore it can be avoided. Below is the list of few food items that possess this special quality of a turning your mood from bad to good and make you feel happy. So, if ever your or the loved one’s mood happens to be flowing out on a negative note, try any of the following mentioned food in order to stimulate the brain and boost your mood.

Spinach

Spinach is one of the leafy vegetables that are rich in vitamin B folate. Low levels of vitamin B folate results in depression. Also, vitamin B assists the brain in producing a neurotransmitter called as serotonin that creates an impact on our behavior and mood. Spinach helps in reducing stress and anxiety levels and fight against fatigue.

Turkey

Turkey is rich in an amino acid called tryptophan which is used by our body for creating serotonin and melatonin that regulates our mood. Tryptophan is not produced in our body naturally and hence we should get it from the food. Some other food items which contain tryptophan are lobster, cottage cheese, pineapple, and etc.

Walnuts

In an experiment made by the researchers at the McLean Hospital based in Massachusetts, it was found that on injecting rats with omega-3 fatty acids, there was a remarkable improvement in their moods. Walnuts and ground flaxseeds are among the non-animal source that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Walnuts also provide energy to the brain and help you to feel smarter. In the non-vegetarian category, salmon, tuna and herring boast provides good amount of omega-3 fatty acids.

Milk/Non-Dairy Milk

Milk products and vitamin-fortified non-dairy products such as almond milk and soy milk are high in vitamin D. Vitamin D too helps in the production of serotonin which helps in reducing depression.

Beans

Lentils and black beans are among the protein- and fiber-filled legumes that are rich in iron, an important mineral that fights lethargy and provides us energy.

Chocolate

Chocolate is the most popular food item known to help relieve stress and feel happy. In many scientific experiments, chocolate has proven to be very beneficial in switching towards good mood and raising good spirit. Chocolate increases endorphins which are our natural feel-good brain chemical. To achieve maximum benefit from chocolates, one should go for dark chocolates instead of plain chocolates. However, one should also remember that eating too much of chocolates can act otherwise making you feel worse than before.

Carbohydrates

Foods that are rich in carbohydrates too help in the creation of serotonin. One should opt for whole grain products instead of processed grain foods as they result in insulin spikes. Whole wheat bread, brown rice, and oats are few examples.

Bananas

Bananas that are known to be the powerhouse of potassium also helps in the creation of tryptophan and are rich in iron too.

Blueberries

Blueberries are best known to be the natural mood booster. They are delicious and low in calories but carry a huge amount of antioxidants and vitamins that helps in feeling energetic and promoting a healthier brain.