It’s as simple as this: when you eat good, you feel good. Keeping your body healthy and disease-free is more than likely to boost your mood. Plus, key nutrients in certain foods can influence levels of serotonin – the happy hormone – and improve circulation, keeping your organs nice and happy.
With that in mind, here are five superfoods that are proven to boost your mood.
Turmeric
Starting off the list is the Indian spice turmeric, an antioxidant-rich root that boosts dopamine and serotonin levels. Studies have found that curcumin – the primary antioxidant component in turmeric – not only boosted cognitive function but also improved mood in study participants.
Fatty fish
Besides the delicious taste of fish, this superfood plays host to a whole lot of inflammation-reducing omega-3 fatty acids and muscle-building protein. Fish is often referred to as “brain food” because it supplies essential fats that allow brain membranes to perform at peak levels which is key for the regulation of mood. Additionally, studies have concluded that omega-3s in the form of fish oil are associated with lower depression scores, so why not pick up some salmon, anchovies, or bluefin tuna on your next trip to the store.
Yogurt and other fermented foods
The keyword here is probiotics. Fermented foods are rich in probiotics that are known to boost the connection between your brain and your gut microbiome. This is vital because that connection plays an influential role in your brain’s sensory processing and emotion. With more and more studies uncovering the mood-regulating roles of our gut, keeping these microorganisms happy is in our best interest.
Sesame seeds
For those who constantly feel stressed, sesame seeds are fantastic. That’s because of their high levels of magnesium, a mineral that helps control your stress response and well as boosts immune cell capabilities.
Bananas
High in vitamin B6, bananas can increase the levels of feel-good transmitters like dopamine and serotonin. The fruit contains both fiber and sugar which when paired helps a slow and stable release of carbohydrates into the bloodstream, allowing for better mood control. Bananas are also fantastic sources of prebitoics, a type of fiber that gut bacteria love to snack on.
