CAN CERTAIN FOODS LIFT YOUR MOOD?

When you’re feeling down, it can be tempting to turn to food to lift your spirits. However, the sugary, high calorie treats that many people resort to have negative consequences of their own.

So, you may wonder whether any healthy foods can improve your mood.

Research on the relationship between nutrition and mental health has been emerging. Yet, it’s important to note that mood can be influenced by many factors, such as stress, environment, poor sleep, genetics, mood disorders, and nutritional deficiencies

Therefore, it’s difficult to determine whether food can raise your spirits. Nonetheless, certain foods have been shown to improve overall brain health and certain types of mood disorders.

HERE ARE SOME HEALTHY FOODS THAT MAY BOOST YOUR MOOD

FATTY FISH

Fatty fish like salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may lower your risk of depression.

DARK CHOCOLATE

Dark chocolate is rich in compounds that may increase feel-good chemicals in your brain.

FERMENTED FOODS

Since up to 90% of your body’s serotonin is produced in your gut, a healthy gut may correspond to a good mood. Fermented foods like kimchi, yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut are rich in probiotics that support gut health.

BANANAS

Bananas are a great source of natural sugar, vitamin B6, and prebiotic fiber, which work together to keep your blood sugar levels and mood stable.

OATS

Oats provide fiber that can stabilize your blood sugar levels and boost your mood. They’re also high in iron, which may improve mood symptoms in those with iron deficiency anemia.

BERRIES

Berries are rich in disease-fighting anthocyanins, which may lower your risk of depression.

NUTS AND SEEDS

Certain nuts and seeds are high in tryptophan, zinc, and selenium, which may support brain function and lower your risk of depression.

COFFEE

Coffee provides numerous compounds, including caffeine and chlorogenic acid, that may boost your mood. Research suggests that decaf coffee may even have an effect.

THE BOTTOM LINE

When feeling a bit rubbish, you may crave calorie-rich, high sugar foods like ice cream or cookies to try to lift your spirits.

While this might give you a sugar rush, it’s unlikely to help you in the long term — and may have negative consequences as well.

Instead, you should aim for wholesome foods that have been shown to not only boost your mood but also your overall health.

TRY OUT SOME OF THE FOODS ABOVE TO KICK START

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