Top 10 Superfoods To INSTANTLY Lift Your Mood
Just to let everyone know, I am going to reduce the articles to one every other day due to work and family commitments.
This way the quality of these articles will stay high and hopefully this will continue to help you work towards your desired health & wellness goals.
Now, let's get into today's topic... Nutrition to help you feel great!
As an important part of human well-being, food can lift your mood, or it can make you feel sleepy, bloated, heavy, without energy, etc.
Also, research has shown that certain foods can help you sleep better and improve the overall health of your brain. So, which foods should you choose?
Let's find out which ten foods can improve your mood and what ingredients to incorporate into your diet to help boost your happiness and energy!
#1 Banana
Bananas are rich in fibers and vitamin B6, which is in charge of the so-called feel-good hormones dopamine and serotonin. Therefore, if you are looking for a natural way to boost your mood, one banana can help. Pairing this around your workout time would be a great way to benefit from those energy releasing carbs!
It has additional health benefits, such as improving your gut and helping to keep sugar levels stable in your blood.
#2 Coffee
Why do you think so many people start their day with a cup of coffee? Coffee can improve your mood, but only if you stay within recommended doses (Up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine a day appears to be safe for most healthy adults). Don't drink large amounts.
A cup of coffee increases dopamine and norepinephrine release in your body. It can make you feel awake and improve the overall feeling of happiness and satisfaction.
#3 Lentils
The good old humble lentils are not only low in calories, affordable and delicious but are also a source of B vitamins.
B vitamins and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which are lentils full of, have a significant role in mood regulation. So, try to find as many recipes with lentils as you can!
#4 Beans
If you aren't a big fan of lentils, use beans in your meals. I'm not talking about baked beans as they come with a ton of added sugar and salt. They have a similar role to lentils, because of their high folate and vitamin B levels.
Folate plays an essential role in the nerve cells' communication and production of certain neurotransmitters. The low folate levels cause a disruption in these cells, which is related to depression and prolonged feelings of sadness.
#5 Nuts
Next time you feel blue, instead of opening a bag of chips to comfort you, use nuts as a snack. They have so many benefits on your overall health, including mood-boosting properties and a positive effect on your brain health.
Almonds, peanuts, walnuts, and other nuts are great sources of healthy fats, fibers, and minerals that maintain mental health.
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#6 Sardines
You might not enjoy the taste and smell of sardines, but they can make you feel better. Sardines have high levels of Omega 3-fatty acids, which are excellent for your brain and emotional control. They help boost dopamine and serotonin!
#7 Pickles
A pickle per day keeps the social anxiety away! Jokes aside, there is scientific evidence that fermented food, including pickles and natural yoghurt, helps you control social anxiety, which can be a true mood-breaker.
#8 Berries
Berries are rich in antioxidants that help to treat mood disorders and help create a balance in your body. Additionally, the pigment that gives berries the rich purple colour has been associated with up to 39% lower risk of depression.
#9 Oats
Oats are rich in iron and fiber. Not only do the oats keep you full and energised, but they are also associated with mood improvement. Because oats keep the sugar levels in your blood stable, oats help you control your mood and irritability.
The iron in oats can help treat iron-deficiency anaemia, which can lead to increased anxiety and mood disorders.
#10 Dark Chocolate
When you are in a grim mood, skip the fast food and unhealthy sweets. Instead, take a bar of 80%+ dark chocolate, and let flavonoids from it improve your mood!
Final Thoughts
Next time you crave junk food to comfort you, take something from the list and enjoy the positive effect on your mood and brain health. Include as many foods from the list in your diet and take care of yourself!
What is your favourite comfort food? Would you consider replacing it with something from the list?
Please share your thoughts on the list in the comments!
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Much Love, Brycey
Managing Director at The Colour Copier Company Ltd
2ySardines on toast. And mixed nuts do it for me 👍👍👍
Project engineer Aftermarket Services/ Boiler inspector at NEM-Energy BV
2yNice useful info Mark. My favourites are dark chocolate, nuts in general and berries. I add rhe nuts and berries to my greek yoghurt and that tastes awesome.
Head - Cost Management at L & T Realty
2yThat's lot of options to keep junk food away. I am using banana before workout and mix of peanuts & chickpea when I feel hungry in between meals.