Mood Food: 7 Foods to Improve Mental Health

1. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolates contain flavonoids, which increase serotonin levels and reduce stress hormones like cortisol. Since they are high-calorie foods, it is key to eat them in moderation.

Dark chocolate is a good mood food. You can enjoy it in milk or as an after-meal treat. For maximum health benefits, choose dark chocolates that are 70% to 80% rich in cocoa solids and have low added sugar.

2. Banana

These sunny yellow delights are more than just a tasty snack. Rich in vitamin B6 and amino acids, It seeds the mind with feel-good neurotransmitters.

Pair these delicious go-to snacks with peanut butter or add them to morning cereals or breakfast smoothies. The creamy peanut butter helps slow absorption and stabilizes glucose levels, allowing for stable blood sugar levels.

3. Oats

To combat iron deficiency symptoms like fatigue, sluggishness, or mood disorders, you can consume fiber-rich oats. Oats process energy slowly and keep the tummy full for extended periods. This helps reduce sudden sugar spikes while regulating mood swings.

Experts consider oats a superfood rich in vitamins and minerals. To maximize their nutritional potential, soak them overnight and have a hearty breakfast with fruits and nuts. Alternatively, if you're craving delicious and healthy snacks, try baking with oats as the star ingredient.

4. Fermented Foods

Fermentation creates probiotics. Healthy examples of fermented foods include kimchi, kombucha, kefir, sauerkraut, yogurt, and several more. Since these foods make the “good bacteria” in your gut happy, they help digestion and strengthen the gut microbiome.

Adding these tangy and citrus flavors to your diet helps to improve mental and physical health. This happy food wears multiple hats. It helps reduce signs of aging, improve cholesterol levels, and improve symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.

5. Fish

Fish, particularly salmon, mackerel, and sardines, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can lower blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.

However, if preparing from scratch feels tiresome, you can opt for options like canned fish, which are convenient and budget-friendly. Additionally, seafood lovers will savor delicacies like Korean and Japanese cuisines, which are the countries with the highest consumption of mackerel.

6. Green Tea

Green tea is often considered a weight-loss aid. However, this drink, rich in antioxidants, has far more health benefits. It helps people stay alert and provides mental clarity. Its calming properties, influenced by L-theanine, may help promote focus.

Consumption of green tea on a regular basis may help with improved digestion and lowered blood pressure and cholesterol. However, experts usually advise against drinking green tea on an empty stomach. Instead, try eating a light breakfast or a meal before drinking green tea.

7. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a powerhouse of complex carbohydrates and vitamin B3. They make a great addition to any diet. Their natural sweetness adds a hint of savory, making the dish irresistible.

One can cook delicious and healthy meals with sweet potatoes in various ways, such as a sweet potato bowl. They also support the gut, reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and stabilize blood sugar, making them a good mood food.

Many often get confused about what is a happy hormone diet; however, it is not at all complicated. There is an interconnected link between the what, when, and how you eat your meals with your body, influencing your energy levels, digestion, and overall health.

Therefore, it’s necessary to include mood food into your diet to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve hormone levels that perfectly balance the body's functioning.