Ever feel a little down? You are definitely not alone. Mood
fluctuations can be normal, and while there are lots of other things that go
into how we feel, our diet plays the biggest and most crucial part. What we eat
really is an intense influencer of our mental status and emotional well-being.
There are foods proven to raise mood and energy levels while keeping your
overall mental health in good condition. In this blog we have discuss ten
healthy foods to brighten up your moods and keep you feeling fresh and
energetic.
Here are 10 Healthy Foods That Lift Your Mood
1. Dark Chocolate
Dark Chocolate: One of our guilty pleasures happens to be
dark chocolate! And while we feel a little guilty indulging in this delicious
treat, we don't have to: this chocolate goodness is also a health powerhouse.
Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids-that is the type that improves blood flow
to the brain and boosts cognitive function. It also triggers the production of
the body's natural feel-good chemicals.
Dark chocolate studies have shown it will temporarily boost mood and happiness. Phenylethylamine (PEA)-chocolate's natural
antidepressant-creates a feeling of euphoria and elation in people. A small
square of good dark chocolate will send the mood soaring quickly, so indulge,
as this can help support your mental well-being.
2. Fatty Fish
Fatty fish-salmon, mackerel, sardines-are delicious and
bring good health to the brain. In fact, these are loaded with omega 3 fatty
acids, especially the essential fats that have been proven to have a direct
correlation with a decreased level of depression and anxiety. Omega 3s help
build the cell membranes of the brain and help boost the production of new
brain cells, enhancing mood and cognitive function.
Studies show that regular consumption of oily fish may
result in positive impacts in mental health. According to the American Heart
Association, few servings per week would fully benefit health. Some sources
indicate that the healthy fats they contain can help with the reduction of
inflammation, hence betterment in heart health for an overall good feeling.
3. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens include spinach, kale, and Swiss chard, packed
full of nutrient-dense vitamins and minerals, some of which are utterly
essential in enhancing life. These veggies include a high level of vitamins A,
C, and K and the most elemental minerals such as calcium and iron. Fiber in
these green leaves is very present, thus helping digest food properly and goes
a long way to assist the heart. Leafy greens can be the epicenter of a healthy
diet, significantly reducing one's risks for chronic diseases, heart disease,
and certain cancers.
4. Berries
Berries as an informed choice for snacking or breakfast. Add
them to your morning oatmeal, or simply toss them into a salad, and you are all
set to enjoy these berries-a delicious way to maintain yourself healthy while
satisfying your sweet cravings.
5. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds, rich in healthy fats, proteins, and fibers, with Walnut and almonds have high magnesium content ensuring healthy brain functioning and stabilizing the mood; intake helps combat various neurodegenerative disorder development of the brain, such as Alzheimer's Chia seeds, flaxseeds contain omega-3 fatty acids with suitable levels of magnesium for mood stabilization and proper brain functioning. For instance, magnesium is one that reduces anxiety and depression. Other reasons to indulge in nuts and seeds is that they are nutritious with a great crunch.
6. Fermented Foods
These probiotic foods that would probably put you in a good
mood are actually improving your gut health. So if you don't have healthy gut
bacteria, you are not going to produce much serotonin. Other researches have
also shown that people possessing healthy gut flora have lessened symptoms of
anxiety and depression. Fermented foods are excellent sources of nourishment
for both body and soul. Truly wonderful additions to any diet.
7. Whole Grains
Another way is by consuming whole grains. These are oats,
quinoa, brown rice, among many others. They will give your body complex
carbohydrates that stabilize the blood sugar. This means you will be pretty far
from the kinds of mood swings caused by lack of proper regulation. Whole grains
will also give your body B vitamins, helping with energy production and general
functions of the brain.
Whole grains give your body full satisfaction, keeping you
full for longer and reducing unhealthy snacking that can easily kill the mood.
More inclusion of whole grains in your diet will let them have a boost on your
mental and physical health for their needed energy to get through the day.
Relish In
Start with a bowl of oatmeal, topping it with fruits and
nuts or quinoa as the base of your salads and bowls. Whole grain is also an
excellent sandwich bread.
8. Bananas
Banana deliver a natural mood elevator. Bananas also hold
potassium, which helps to control blood pressure and can help relieve tension.
They are a tasty dessert, so they make great snacks, and really complement many
foods.
9. Avocado
Avocados are creamy, delicious, and packed with nutritious
fats. Rich in monounsaturated fats, which benefit heart health and brain
function, avocados also have high levels of B vitamins, especially folate,
preventing mood swings and enhancing emotional well-being. Avocados are very
nutritious; thus, they can be a fantastic addition to your well-balanced diet.
They can be incorporated in many food types and ways.
10. Green Tea
Green tea is one of the best drinks to cheer you up. One of the main amino acids, L-theanine, helps ease the tension in the body; more, green tea contains a large amount of antioxidants that might safeguard your brain and improve your thinking capability. Drinking green tea is quite a calming ritual, which induces both mental clarity and the act of relaxation. This drink is a great substitute for highly sugary drinks, and you can have it both hot and cold.
Preparation
Drink some warm green tea in the morning or time during the
afternoon when you feel a bit of a need for some calmness. You can also have
iced green tea on hot days for a refreshing coolant for the body.
Conclusion
The consumption of these foods should certainly be able to
boost your mood. Food alone cannot solve every emotional problem but can aid
in promoting better mental health and overall wellness through nutrient-rich
balanced consumption. Combine these foods with other healthy lifestyle choices
such as regular exercise, good quality sleep, and more importantly, mindfulness
practices.
Improved mood and better emotional well-being can be
achieved through small alterations to your diet amazingly quickly. Focus on
whole, nutrient-dense foods as using nutrition as a source of strength for
mental wellness and a brighter attitude towards life.
Please book an appointment with the best Nutritionist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.