Foods That Can Boost your Mood

We are what we eat. A substantial number of studies confirm the link between certain types of food and optimal mental health. Fried cheese, Coke, and snicker bars aren't responsible for severe mental disorders; however, a variety of vitamins and nutrients in the foods we eat can provide a nice boost to our mood and help us become resilient to depression and anxiety. Here are eight such foods.
Salmon
Salmon is the ultimate power food. It has a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been proven not only to prevent depression, but to treat it, as well. Oily fish like salmon are also rich in vitamin B 12, which aids the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which boosts the mood.
Spinach
Spinach and other dark leafy greens are high in folic acid, a nutrient that has shown to alleviate depression and reduce fatigue. Folate helps our bodies to process and lower homocysteine, which aids overall health because high levels of homocysteine can interfere with the flow of blood and nutrients to the brain.
DID YOU KNOW?
A study published in the "Archives of Internal Medicine," found that people who followed a very low-carb diet experienced more depression and anxiety than those who ate a low-fat, high-carb diet that included dairy, whole grains, fruit, and beans.
Chicken
Chicken and all poultry contain the chemical tryptophan, an amino acid that helps produce serotonin. It is also rich in tyrosine, another important amino acid that helps the body deal with stress and control mood.
Whole Grains
Despite the fads of low-carb diets, our brain requires carbs to boost the production of serotonin. Whole grains are a great source of nutrient-rich carbs. Oatmeal, legumes, and whole grains also contain selenium, a mineral that acts like an antioxidant in the body and has been shown to decrease depression symptoms.
Milk
Milk is rich in vitamin D, which helps our bodies to produce serotonin. Recent studies showed a connection between low levels of vitamin D and major depressive disorder. Milk is also a source of vitamins A and B, calcium, carbohydrates, magnesium, phosphate, protein, riboflavin, and zinc.
Chocolate
Dark chocolate is fortunately on this list. It affects the levels of brain endorphins and contains antioxidants, as well as theobromine, tyrosine, and tryptophan. A Switzerland study found that eating 1.4 ounces of dark chocolate every day for two weeks reduced stress hormones, including cortisol.
Walnuts
Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E. They are also rich in magnesium, and low levels of magnesium can cause depression, anxiety, and irritability.
Citrus Fruit
Citrus fruits are chock full of vitamin C, which has been proven to boost your mood and energy. Vitamin C also helps your body absorb iron, important for the production of red blood cells.
Eating right might not make your depression disappear, but it can certainly boost your mood and make you more resilient to the blues. By digesting the right vitamins and minerals, you can help your body reduce stress, combat anxiety, and minimize depression. Studies show that what you choose to consume has a substantial impact on how you feel.