Are you feeling down or moody? Here are a list of foods that will improve your mood, make you feel happy and increase your serotonin. They are natural mood enhancers. So if you are feeling sad try eating one of these and let it boost your mood. So if you are feeling depressed put down the prozac and open your fridge and eat one of these. Today is a good day to be happy.
Coffee
Coffee stimulates your central nervous system. It increases the production fo neurotransmitters in the brain like serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline. These all boost your mood. You have to drink 2-3 cups a day to feel the effects of this. It can also prevent the feelings of depression. If you are sensitive to caffeine drink your coffee before 2pm so you can sleep at night.
Dark chocolate
Antioxidants in dark chocolate can trigger the walls of your blood vessels to relax, lowering blood pressure and improving circulation. Dark chocolate also contains magnesium, a mineral that has been shown to help alleviate PMS symptoms, including fatigue, depression, and irritability. Dark chocolate’s natural substances give a sense of euphoria.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are rich in selenium that improve depression, anxiety, and fatigue. Mushrooms are also the only plant source of natural vitamin D which enhances mood.
Green tea
Green tea lowers psychological stress. It contains theanine and amino acid that reduce stress, promote relaxation and fights off depression. You need to drink about five cups of tea to feel happier.
Walnuts & Flax
Nuts and seeds, especially these two, are loaded with alpha-linolenic acid. ALA increase dopamine and serotonin. All you need is a handful for them to make you feel better.
Radishes
Radishes lift your mood by stimulating the release of dopamine and norepinephrine. They are also a low-calorie snack that will keep you feeling full.
Apricots
Apricots are filled with vitamin B6 it reduces depression. They also contain the antioxidants beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin which are linked to higher moods. If you can’t find fresh ones get dried ones.
Potatoes
Chromium plays an important role in increasing the brains’ level of serotonin, norepinephrine, and melatonin, which help the brain regulate emotion and mood. Chromium works directly with the brain’s mood regulators, it’s been found to be an effective treatment of depression .
Bananas
Bananas have tryptophan which regulates mood. Bananas are also a good source of B vitamin folate, and having low levels of the vitamin has been linked to depression.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a mood booster it contains soluble fiber, and this will lower blood sugar levels and keep them down. This has the effect of reducing irritability and a fight off depression.
Hummus
Chickpeas contain vitamin B1, or thiamine, which promotes brain and nervous system health, and tryptophan, which is an amino acid that can raise your serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is essential in regulating your moods and sleep.
P.S. Smile, it makes you look super cute.