We know that the right foods have an undeniably positive impact on our physical health, but did you know that the same applies to our mental health? Over the years scientific research has shown that certain foods can in fact affect our emotional health and elevate our mood. So go ahead and stock up your fridge with the 5 mood boosting foods we have listed below to help you eat your way happier!
1. Dark Chocolate
Who doesn’t like chocolate? It may not be as sweet as the milk chocolate we are so used to eating but dark chocolate is still the ultimate comfort food that causes our brain to release endorphins and reduce the level of stress hormones. To get the most out of dark chocolate look for 70% or more of cocoa and have a couple of squares a day.
2. Fruits and Vegetables
Researchers have concluded that those who follow a diet rich with a variety of fruit and vegetables are less likely to feel down and depressed throughout the year. Rich with antioxidants and Omega-3 they elevate your mood and keep you healthy.
3. Spinach
Magnesium that is found in Spinach is known to help treat depression! It is also packed with a variety of Vitamins such as Vitamin B, which is crucial for good mental health. In fact, Vitamin B is well known for its anti-stress properties and keeping your blood sugars level under control! Just one cup of spinach a day could help improve your mental well-being and help alleviate stress!
4. Salmon
Salmon is absolutely packed with Omega-3 fatty acids that, just like fruits and vegetables, help fight depression and improve your mood. Salmon also contains Vitamin D, which increases the levels of serotonin in our brain that make us feel happy. It goes perfectly with a wide variety of vegetables to make a healthy dinner option.
5. Green tea
Green tea is a super drink packed with powerful antioxidants! Studies have shown that people who drink 5 cups of green tea a day have stress levels reduced by 20% compared to those that don’t. If you don’t like the taste of plain green tea try and add different flavourings such as lemon, mint, ginger etc.
Whilst these science-backed, feel good foods are guaranteed to make you feel great it is important to remember that good nutrition, plenty of sleep and exercise are a key to a healthy body and mind!