There is an old saying you are what you eat and if you feed your body junk food or too much sugar then you are not going to help yourself escape depression. In this blog post, we discuss 10 foods that can help you improve your mood, emotions, and mental health. It is recommended to try and eat at least two or more of these natural happiness enhancers every day…
1. Spinach
Why? It’s rich in iron: a great energy booster that wards off fatigue and aids concentration. It’s also a good source of vitamin B6 and folate, which supports the brain’s ability to produce mood-boosting neurotransmitters, such as serotonin.
2. Sweet potatoes
Why? They’re a great alternative to standard spuds as they are rich in folate, plus they are better than white potatoes at keeping blood sugar levels steady.
3. Brazil nuts
Why? They’re one of the best sources of the mood-boosting mineral selenium, which can ward off low mood and anxiety.
4. Oily fish
Why? Fish such as sardines and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which help the brain to interpret moods and boost concentration levels. Low levels are linked with depression and other mood disorders.
5. Avocados
Why? They’re bursting with depression-fighting folate, mood-lifting tryptophan and stress-relieving vitamin B6.
6. Eggs
Why? They’re a great source of zinc, which helps you to feel more alert and energised by regulating your metabolism and blood sugar levels.
7. Yoghurt
Why? It’s rich in calcium, a mineral that can ease mood swings, depression, and anxiety.
8. Tofu
Why? It’s rich in protein, which increases energy levels and improves concentration. It also contains an amino acid called tyrosine, which boosts the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine as well as thyroid hormone, which can all help elevate mood.
9. Bananas
Why? They can balance hunger and mood between-meal energy slumps as they help to stabilise blood sugar levels. The fruit’s high vitamin B6 content can help to relieve anxiety and stress, and it’s also a great source of tryptophan – the essential amino acid the brain converts into the happiness hormone serotonin.
10. Bread
Why? Your daily slice boosts levels of serotonin – a neurotransmitter that helps you feel happier and calmer. Wholemeal bread produces less serotonin than white but the energy it produces has more staying power, so you will avoid the slump you can experience soon after eating white bread.
Other foods that can help you improve your mood?
So these are 10 items that have great benefits to your mental health but do you know of any more? Please comment below what foods you think to help you feel so much better?