Food is often related to our physical health, but there has been so much evidence that shows how it can improve our mental health as well. What we have in our diet can affect our mood, so it’s ideal to get more of the goodies in your diet as much as possible.
What foods are considered mood-boosting goes beyond what your favorite dish though. There has been a variety of research reports that have looked into several kinds of food while checking out the cause for it. If you want to learn more about some incredibly mood-boosting foods you should eat more of, keep reading.
1) Seafood
Certain seafood has been linked to lowering anxiety and depression due to having plenty of omega-3 fatty acids and zinc. These particular nutrients boosts the amount of dopamine and serotonin that we have, so it can be great to have on your diet.
Certain kinds of seafood like oysters can be great to have, though some may relate it more to an aphrodisiac. Other excellent varieties like salmon, mackerel, and tuna can also be great sources of omega-3, so be sure to have some fish every once in a while.
2) Green Tea
Many already associate tea with calming down and soothing your nerves, which is quite a mood-booster already. However, there is an American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study about how green tea can assist with reducing depression.
The impact that green tea causes are because of how it contains L-theanine and several other nutritious minerals. L-theanine is an amino acid that’s known for fighting off anxiety, which is a great pair to caffeine as it still leaves you energetic.
3) Vegetables
If you’re a big fan of leafy greens, you’re in luck! Most of these vegetables contain magnesium, which is an important ingredient that helps relieve anxiety. Essentially, the darker-colored vegetables like spinach have more of that magic mineral, so be sure to have a meal or two of it. Beans, almonds, and lentils are also good foods that contain plenty of magnesium.
4) Probiotic Drinks
Probiotic-fermented food and drinks have always been good for the body, but they’re also relevant for our mood too. Having yogurt and several other probiotic products can help clean out your gut, which leads to less stress and lower chances of depression. Plus, they’re always a great snack during the day.
5) Blueberries
Adding blueberries to your pancakes, smoothies, and other meals might seem a bit over the top, but it might be a good practice. Blueberries offer many anti-oxidants, which can help in regulating your mood and improving brain function. Whether it’s a dessert or just a simple addition to the grand schemes of things, it wouldn’t hurt to eat more of these fruits.
6) Chocolate
Speaking of dessert, chocolate has always been revered as a mood-booster and motivator. The Nestle Research Center in Switzerland has finally confirmed this to be true, revealing that dark chocolate can prevent and reduce stress. Try to watch your calories, but chocolate’s definitely a great thing to nibble on every now and then.
Conclusion
Incorporating more of these mood-boosting foods into your diet can make you a bit more chipper in nature, so it’s worth trying out. Consume more of these while also working on your own personal mental health.
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