This post offers details about why eating certain healthy foods can help brighten your outlook, improve your mood, and make you kick up your heels joyfully.
Favorite Foods for a
Good Mood
Sprinkling on a one teaspoon serving of unsweetened cocoa powder to cereal can activate endorphins, hormones that are released by the brain in response to pain or stress and produce a feeling of euphoria.
Endorphins improve cognitive function and increases serotonin levels too. I prefer to use a teaspoon of pure cocoa and make a cup of hot chocolate, as my dark chocolate treat of the day.
I'm sure that's why I feel so cheery yet calm after drinking just one cup.
BANANAS are high in vitamin B6, which helps synthesize feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.
GINGER, which is the flavorful root of a plant, is effective in easing joint pain, and
is a natural anti-inflammatory.
SWEET POTATOES/YAMS are mood elevators, because they contain magnesium, a nutrient that supports the brain and nervous system. Scientific studies have found a connection between eating foods high in magnesium, and lowering symptoms of depression.
The substance that gives yellow and orange potatoes their hue is the antioxidant beta-carotene. Beta-carotene helps with reducing free radical damage to brain cells, prevents oxidative stress leading to DNA damage, and when lacking, appears to be common in emotional conditions such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.
oven roasted sweet potato fries |
Carbohydrates in sweet potatoes help with serotonin production. For more read Favorite Fall Fruit and Veggies.
NUTS and SEEDS including Brazil nuts, almonds, and pine nuts are tasty sources of plant-based tryptophan, zinc, and selenium, and may support brain function and lower risk of depression. A 10-year study of 15,980 people linked moderate nut intake to a 23 percent lower risk of depression.
Deficiency in these minerals, which are important for brain function, is associated with higher rates of depression — although more research is needed.
unsalted nuts are good mood food |
I love to munch on 1/3 cup of unsalted raw nuts or seeds, as this is a tasty yet appropriate sized portion. Seeds and nuts are good sources of fiber, protein, and plant-based fat necessary for digestion, elimination, and energy.
Mood-boosting
serotonin found in almonds, cashews, peanuts, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds,
and sunflower seeds improves mood as well.
LEAFY GREENS and CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES including spinach, lettuce, watercress, arugula, chard, and kale are rich in folate and magnesium. These substances are important in helping to reduce anxiety and boost mood.
Other cruciferous veggies include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, bok choy, and Brussels sprouts. They contain high amounts of chromium, which can increase levels of brain chemicals related to positive feelings, alertness, and energy. These veggies are loaded with fiber, which can help balance blood sugar levels and prevent that depressing blood sugar crash.
If you want to enhance your mood, please consider being more mindful and selective, when food shopping and with meal preparation.
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This post is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only and not for nutritional, physical health, or mental health advice. Please check with those professionals, if that is what you want or need.
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