10 Foods To Boost Your Mood

September 16, 2019 by Ruthie Hawkins, BlackDoctor.org Contributor

2020 hasn’t been an easy year for most of us, but snacking on these foods will help you keep the quarantine 15 away, and elevate your mood! Try eating more of these 10 foods for a sunny disposition.

Almonds

Nuts like almonds, cashews, and peanuts boast a good amount of selenium, a mineral that’s been found to elevate mood.

Berries

Blueberries contain a myriad of antioxidants and phytonutrients which help improve your body’s response to stress as well as counter stress-related free radicals. They’re also backed by research.

“Molecules in chocolate, a variety of berries and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids have shown positive effects on mood. In turn, our studies show that some commonly used flavor components are structurally similar to valproic acid,” said Karina Martinez-Mayorga, Ph.D., lead researcher of a study which analyzed the effects of natural flavors on mood.

Dark chocolate

In moderation, indulging in one to two squares of chocolate containing at least 70 percent cocoa can reduce stress-causing hormones like cortisol, lower blood pressure, improve circulation, as well as fatigue, and depression. Dark chocolate has a plethora of antioxidants, magnesium, and other unique natural substances. In other words, it’s not just for PMS. It’s a total mood booster.
Dark, leafy greens

Leafy veggies like spinach contain folate, which produces dopamine, an organic chemical that induces pleasure. This helps you keep calm. Findings from a 2017 study indicate that eating five to seven servings of fruits and veggies each day reduces moodiness.

“Most fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, which can help reduce age-related inflammation, a condition that can be harmful to mental health,” said Binh Nguyen, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Sydney and lead researcher of the study. “And deficiencies in B vitamins, such as folic acid [vitamin B9], influence mood regulation and have also been associated with depression.”

Green tea

Drinking two cups of hot green tea during the day can increase alertness. Green tea also contains theanine, an amino acid that has been found to reduce tension and anxiety.