Did you know that what you eat can affect your mood? That’s right, since the components of food are directly related to hormone levels and therefore, the way you deal with each situation. In the following article you can find foods and meals to improve mood. Perhaps your diet is the cause of your bad mood or aggressiveness.
“We are what we eat.” That statement is absolutely true. If you’ve been very irritable, angry, or depressed about everything lately, maybe the reason is your diet. Many foods have the ability to generate hormonal and glucose crises, undoubtedly related to emotions or susceptibility.
In order to avoid these episodes, pay attention to the following mood-boosting foods:
- Pumpkin seeds
They are a great source of phosphorus, potassium and zinc, but above all, magnesium. If you’re lacking the latter nutrient, you’re more likely to suffer from nervousness, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, headaches, and an increase in the amount of glucose in your blood.
- Green vegetables
They are actually very beneficial for our health because they have magnesium and as said before, this component improves emotional health significantly. It is really vital for the brain, as it maintains the stability of our nervous system. Don’t forget to consume spinach, chard, cabbage or broccoli.
- Eggs
Eggs provide you with calcium, protein, zinc, iron, selenium, phosphorus, and vitamins K, E, D, and A. All in one 80-calorie piece (raw or cooked, not fried). It is one of the most nutritious foods and also a cause of happiness.
- Celery and carrot
Both work together so that you can feel in a better mood and your mood is optimal. But not only because of the amount of nutrients they offer, but because biting or chewing on these two vegetables is a great stress reliever. They are perfect for those who clench their teeth, bite their nails or have quit smoking.
- Flax or flaxseed
Flax seed is one of the most powerful seeds that exists for several aspects. It contains a good dose of Omega 3 fatty acids that reduce stress, allow you to rest better and improve your level of attention and concentration. Sleeping well, without a doubt, is synonymous with a good mood for anyone.
- Whole grains
Rice, oatmeal or quinoa are very good if you eat them alone, but also if they are present in preparations such as breads or pasta. They provide you with a good amount of healthy carbohydrates, which allow the body to produce the happiness hormone (as serotonin is called). It also stabilizes blood sugar levels.
- Foods with a lot of vitamin C
When we are told that we should consume more vitamin C, we immediately think of an orange. However, there are foods with more than this citrus fruit, such as red peppers, kiwi or papaya. Vitamin C has the ability to reduce stress and allows us to recover faster if we go through a stressful or traumatic episode. Other options include blackberries and broccoli.
- Tea
Black tea is one of the most recommended for improving mood and good mood. However, to calm us down after a busy day (cause of arguments at home, for example), there is nothing better than chamomile, linden or valerian. A cup of any of these three herbs will give you immediate well-being. Remember that to enjoy the effect more, you should stay in a sitting place without doing much more than enjoying the taste of the infusion.
- Dark chocolate
Cocoa has flavonoids that help improve mood. That is why when we feel sad or depressed, a good cure is a good piece of chocolate. In addition, it is very good for mental clarity, it is recommended before taking an exam or studying. It reduces stress and keeps us away from bad thoughts. Try to eat chocolate with a high level of cocoa and not so much milk or fat, to make it more efficient. The culprit is tryptophan, a precursor of serotonin, a hormone responsible for emotional stability.
- Mussels
They contain nature’s most powerful so-called brain protectors, i.e. vitamin B12. But also, essential nutrients to be in a good mood such as iodine, zinc or selenium.
- Blue potatoes
You may have never heard of them, but they exist and are sold at organic fairs or markets. The color of its interior is thanks to anthocyanin, an antioxidant that strengthens short-term memory and reduces inflammation in certain areas of the body, which will undoubtedly improve your mood. If you eat the skin as well, you’ll be getting iodine, which regulates the function of the thyroid gland.
- Lamb
In reality, any animal raised on grass pastures is a good source of conjugated linoleum acid (CLA). Lamb fat protects brain cells and offers a good amount of iron, related to mood, happiness and good memory.
- Greek yogurt
It is the best dairy product that can be consumed, and much better if you get it with its original recipe from the islands. It has more calcium than milk or traditional yogurt and allows you to be happy. It provokes the brain to release neurotransmitters that will make you feel in a good mood. On the contrary, a lack of calcium is not only bad for bones, but also has other effects: depression, anxiety, memory problems, irritability, etc. Probiotics help with digestion, stave off constipation, and prevent colds. Try eating a pot of Greek yogurt when you’re in a bad mood.
- Asparagus
It is a vegetable with many followers and others who do not usually know its delicious flavor. It is one of the countries that offers the highest amount of tryptophan, which helps produce serotonin, responsible for mood and brain regulation. In addition, as they have a good amount of folic acid, they promote happiness. It is proven that depressed people have low levels of this nutrient, as well as those who tend to get sick the most.
Source: Better with Health
