What Foods Can Boost Our Mood?

Picking the right foods not only improves your physical health but your mental health can benefit as well. While you may be tempted to reach for a tub of ice cream after a difficult day, foods that are high in sugar, refined carbs, or trans fats may end up making you feel worse.

Here are unexpected foods that can help boost your mood:

• Whole grains: A source of B vitamins, whole grains aid in the production of brain chemicals that promote well-being, like serotonin and tryptophan. Start your morning with a bowl of steel-cut oatmeal will not only keep you full but also prevent your energy from crashing before lunch
• Probiotics: Probiotics in your diet may help your mood and improve brain function. Look for probiotic foods like Greek yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi
• Omega-3: Omega-3 helps with depression and anxiety. Salmon, tuna, halibut, and mackerel are all good sources of omega-3. For plant-based options, consider flax seeds, nuts, chia seeds, seaweed or spirulina
• Green leafy veggies: Don’t just settle for kale or spinach. Swiss chard is rich in vitamin K and magnesium. And studies have shown that magnesium may have protective effects against depression
• Spice it up: A particularly good spice to try turmeric. It contains a compound called curcumin, which acts as an antioxidant. It’s also an anti-inflammatory, which can help curb symptoms of depression
• Dark chocolate: It may help with brain function and lead to improvements in mood. It contains zinc, which is linked to brain growth and function. Zinc also has been found to reduce the severity of depressive symptoms. To get the most health benefits from your chocolate, find some with 70% or more cocoa

Remember that what we eat is only part of what keeps us healthy. If you have persistent feelings of sadness or a bad mood you can’t shake, talk to your healthcare provider, therapist, a loved one or a friend