Did you know that certain types of food can actually boost your mood? Overall, diet makes a big impact on the way you feel, both physically and mentally. A healthy diet that’s high in whole foods and low in processed junk food can boost your mood immensely. However, there are also certain foods that contain mood-boosting properties that can help give you a little boost when you’re feeling down.
What Are Mood-Boosting Foods?
Have you ever had a day where you’re feeling down, but you reach for something to eat and instantly feel happier, more alert, and mentally clearer? What we eat can have a huge impact on our mood. Eating foods low in nutrition, such as junk foods, processed foods, and sweets can actually have a negative impact on our mood. You may feel better right after eating the tasty fare, but in a few hours, you’ll feel lethargic and unmotivated. On the other hand, if you turn to healthier, whole food options, you’ll experience a lift in your mood, along with sustained energy to take on the rest of your day. Simply put, there are just some foods that are better for your mood than others.
One surefire way to boost your mood? Send yourself a delectable treat from Edible Arrangements®. Try our Cheesecake With Chocolate Dipped Fruit Box. It includes rich and airy cheesecakes topped with chocolate covered fruit, along with a trio of chocolate covered fruit, including apples, strawberries, and banana bites. Or, check out our Simply Daisies® arrangement jam-packed with pineapple daisies made with pineapple and cantaloupe balls.
Top 10 Mood-Boosting Foods
If you’re looking for some foods that will provide a little mental boost, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve gathered up the ten best mood-boosting foods on the planet, and you might even be surprised at the results:
1. Fatty Fish
Research shows that a nutrient-dense diet that is high in fatty fish can reduce symptoms of depression. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, namely EPA and DHA, help to protect, restore, and rebuild the brain, helping to improve the mood.
Dark chocolate contains an amino acid called tryptophan. This amino acid helps in the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which can increase feelings of overall happiness. Serotonin influences your mood and is most widely associated with feelings of happiness.
3. Green Tea
According to research, green tea has been shown to improve mental clarity, cognitive function, and relaxation. Plus, it contains many mood-boosting nutrients, including L-theanine, which can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
4. Blueberries
Rich in flavonoids and antioxidants, blueberries have been shown to increase your mood within just two hours of eating them. This is believed to be caused by an increase in cerebral blood flow, anxiolytic-like effects, and an enzyme called monoamine oxidase which is involved in the production of serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline.
5. Spinach
Spinach contains a hefty amount of magnesium, which can increase serotonin levels and boost your mood. Additionally, about half of all Americans are low in this mineral, which has been linked to an increased risk of depression and anxiety.
6. Yogurt
Probiotics, the healthy bacteria that are often found in yogurt, can boost mood in addition to improving gut health. Researchers believe this is due to the fact that the bacteria may help to decrease inflammation in the gut, resulting in a more positive mood.
Research shows that consuming nuts and seeds strengthens brainwave function in regard to cognition, healing, learning, memory, and other key brain activities. This improved functionality also results in an improved mood.
8. Bananas
Bananas may actually help promote the mood-boosting benefits of serotonin. As mentioned previously, serotonin is the chemical in the brain that is responsible for feelings of happiness and well-being.
9. Oats
Oats provide a high amount of fiber that helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels that remain stable throughout the day result in an improvement in mood over time. Additionally, oats contain high amounts of iron, which can improve mood, especially in those with iron deficiency anemia.
10. Coffee
The caffeine in coffee helps decrease mental fatigue, improve concentration, and increase motivation. Additionally, a scientific review found that one cup of coffee every four hours can result in sustained improvement of mood over the course of a day.
From coffee to fatty fish, these foods can help improve your mood and help you see the positive in each day. Incorporate these foods as a part of a healthy and balanced diet to see the most improvement in your mood and mental clarity.
