For a long time, studies have shown that the food we eat plays a role in our emotions and impacts our mood.
Dietitian nutritionist Wesley Delbridge explains, “We’re realizing our gut talks to our brain and it can have big effects on our mood and the emotions we experience,” he said. “If your gut is happy, then you’re going to be happier.”
There are certain foods that help you feel happy and alleviate anxiety. This is because they contain a lot of antioxidants, the compounds found in many fruits and vegetables that help safeguard your cells.
In this post, we will be sharing with you the top ten foods that help you feel happy and get rid of anxiety. Without any further ado, let’s get into our top 10 foods that make you happy.
1. Avocado
With avocado, it’s zero stress guaranteed! This fruit is full of tyrosine, an amino acid that causes the secretion of dopamine and noradrenaline, two hormones considered to be mood and libido-regulating neurotransmitters.
Avocados contain healthy fats that improve your mood and enhance your feeling of well-being. You can add avocado to your diet by including it in your salads and sandwiches.
Avocado is also a good source of vitamin B (beneficial for the nervous system), potassium, calcium, and magnesium (help fight stress), and fiber.
2. The banana
Rich in magnesium and vitamin B, bananas help regulate the nervous system and keep you in a good mood. Thanks to its tryptophan content, an amino acid at the origin of the synthesis of serotonin (the famous well-being hormone), It also has the property of acting as an antidepressant.
Individuals who are experiencing depression report feeling a lot better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a kind of protein that our body transforms into serotonin, understood to cause relaxation, enhance mood and help you to feel happy in general.
3. Fatty fish
Found in oily fish, omega 3s are excellent for our health and especially our morale! Known for its cardioprotective virtues, omega 3 also acts on our emotional state and could fight the symptoms of depression.
Oily fish is a terrific option for brain health. As we said, it is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, a fundamental building block of the brain. Omega-3s plays a role in enhancing memory and boosting mood, as well as safeguarding your brain against cognitive decline.
To benefit from it, just eat it twice a week. In your menus, therefore, consider inviting mackerel, salmon, or even mackerel.
4. Dark chocolate
Endorphins join with opiate receptors in the brain resulting in feelings of euphoria, the kind joggers feel from “jogging.”
Dark chocolate is a top dietary source of tryptophan, an amino acid precursor to serotonin, the neurotransmitter of happiness and happy mood.
A little bit of blues? A small square of chocolate can do the trick. The benefits of dark chocolate are explained not only by its irresistible taste but also by the presence of theobromine, a psychostimulant whose effects are similar to caffeine and serotonin, the hormone of happiness. It is best to consume dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa.
5. Red fruits
Raspberries, blueberries, blackcurrants, goji berries, cranberries … red fruits are an important source of vitamin C, minerals, and fiber. But they are mostly full of antioxidants. These substances help, among other things, to prevent premature aging of cells.
6. Spinach
Spinach isn’t just the secret to Popeye’s strength, it’s also the key to his good mood. These green vegetables are particularly rich in vitamin B9 (or folic acid), a vitamin that plays an essential role in the secretion of serotonin, the hormone of well-being. It is also found in large quantities in broccoli or asparagus.
Spinach is one of our top favorite superfoods. There’s loads of goodness packed into this leafy green including tryptophan and folate. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that floats around our brain and helps us feel happy. The tryptophan in spinach assists in increasing your serotonin levels.
7. Nuts
With their composition rich in omega 3, magnesium, and fiber, oilseeds are real assets for our health and act on the neurotransmitters that regulate mood.
Nuts contain tryptophan, an amino acid responsible for developing mood-boosting serotonin. cashews, peanuts, and walnuts, also, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds are all terrific sources. Snacking on nuts is always a great idea, with loads of other amazing benefits.
8. The coffee
According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Health in America, people who consumed 4 cups of coffee have a 10% reduced risk of suffering from depression than those who do not. This effect on morale is due to the antioxidants present in coffee, explain the authors of this study.
Caffeine reduces mental fatigue, enhances your attention, and improves your alertness. All of which boosts your motivation and helps to prepare you for the day or task. Drinking 2-3 cups a day of caffeinated coffee can lead to a more happy mood.
9. Eggs
Whole eggs are one of the best sources of choline. This nutrient plays an important role in the development and functioning of the brain. A large egg provides about 215 mg of choline, which is roughly half of an adult’s daily requirement.
Eggs are an excellent mood-boosting food to include in your diet. As explained earlier, they’re packed with the nutrient choline, which assists in producing neurotransmitters and enhances your mood. They are also loaded with amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and magnesium that help in relieving anxiety.
10. The almonds
Almonds influence stress and regulate mood. They are excellent for your mood because of their high levels of magnesium and this specific nutrient boosts the production of more serotonin, which is amazing for your mental well-being.
They are among the nuts packed with calcium, which can assist in overcoming hormonal imbalances in women as well as relieving symptoms of anxiety, depression, and irritability.
When feeling sad, you tend to desire calorie-rich, high sugar foods such as ice cream or candy, to try to cheer you up.
While this might make you feel better for the time being, it’s doubtful to benefit you in the long term — and may have unhealthy impacts on your health in general.
Rather, you should intend for healthy foods that have been proven to not only improve your mood but also your general well-being.
We hope you find our top 10 foods that make you happy and improve your mood list helpfully and informative. Thanks for reading.
