The Happiness Diet: The Best Foods to Boost Your Mood

Mood boosting foods

Fatty fish

Omega-3 fatty acids have a beneficial effect on the entire body, from the heart to the eyes and brain. They are anti-inflammatory and can cross into the brain, directly affecting mood-regulating molecules and neurotransmitters there. Research consistently links low omega-3 levels to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Yogurt

Bacteria in the gut can indirectly affect our well-being. Research has identified a specific bacteria that can have a powerful effect on triggering – Lactobacillus. A study published in the journal Nature found that feeding our gut with this bacteria, found in foods like yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut, not only eliminates bad moods, but can even increase our resistance to stress.

Bananas

Bananas are not only shaped like a smile, they also boost our mood. That's why they rank among the top foods that improve our mood. Partly because of the high vitamin B6 content. Bananas contain prebiotic fiber, which together with lactobacilli is essential for gut health.

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Cottage cheese

The amino acid L-tyrosine is necessary for the formation of dopamine and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters that affect our mood. Cottage cheese contains a large amount of this amino acid, along with some other mood boosters. It also contains a lot of protein, which is essential for our body to make and use mood hormones.

Nuts and seeds

Magnesium is a mineral that supports energy production in our body, if we don't get enough of it, a deficiency can lead to irritability, anxiety, insomnia and agitation. Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, cashews and seeds such as pumpkin, chia and sesame are excellent sources of this vital nutrient. Nuts and seeds can also be a great vegetarian source of those crucial omega-3 fatty acids.

Your favorite treat

A varied diet is the best way to prepare your body to produce feel-good hormones. While this nutritional balance is important, so is eating the foods we especially love. Condemning yourself over a bar of chocolate or a scoop of ice cream will definitely not improve your mood. A cup of coffee, a delicious croissant or chocolate ice cream can have a significant impact on our mental health, and within healthy limits.

Water

Yes, it's not a food, but it's a liquid. Sufficient hydration of our body is crucial for a good mood. It helps prevent headaches, brain fog, fatigue and body aches, which can put us in a bad mood or feeling. Studies show that when our water intake increases, symptoms of low mood, tension and depression decrease.

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