Do you always feel down and sluggish? Is your partner complaining about your mood swings? And has that daily dose of Pharrell Williams music no longer working to uplift your spirits?

If so, then why don’t you try the following foods scientifically proven to improve mood. And don’t just take my word for it—eat any of these foods during those times when you need an energy boost:

  1. Apples

Yes, an apple a day can keep the doctor go away. It can also help in banishing bouts of depression. For one, it contains quercetin, a plant polyphenol that fuels neurotransmitters in the brain. Said chemicals also reduce inflammation in the brain, which is another way to improve one’s mood. Moreover, apples are rich in vitamin C that can reduce stress and anxiety.

So peel and eat an apple every time you are feeling down, and expect to be in good spirits an hour or so later.

10 Foods That Will Boost Your Mood And Make You Happy | Uncustomary

  1. Bananas

This could be the reason why the happy-go-lucky Minions love bananas. These fruits are rich in potassium that can maintain normal blood pressure and boost energy levels.

Here’s another reason why bananas can boost mood. Packed in the amino acid tryptophan, bananas can boost the body’s serotonin levels. According to nutritionist Dr. Caroline Longmore, one of the reasons why people get depressed is due to the lack of serotonin or the so-called happy hormone.

  1. Pumpkin seed

We often think of Halloween when we hear the words “pumpkin seed.” But it appears that this food can make you feel better. It is high in healthy fats that can promote good heart health, balance blood sugar levels and combat depression. Moreover, the high levels of omega 3 fatty acids in pumpkin seed can also support good cognitive function and yes, improve your mood.

10 Foods That Will Boost Your Mood And Make You Happy | Uncustomary

  1. Asparagus

Remember those days when you hated the oven-roasted asparagus dish that your mom served you? Well, she might have been on to something. This vegetable is also a rich source of tryptophan, which I mentioned earlier, can promote secretion of the hormone called serotonin, or the happy hormone.

Asparagus also has high levels of the nutrient folate, which has been shown to fight depression.

  1. Dark chocolate

Unlike blue potatoes, this is one food you can easily find in your place. I don’t know anyone who would say no to a bar of dark chocolate. The delicious taste is not just the reason why this food can make you feel good.

The cocoa in dark chocolate can instantly boost your mood and concentration. It also improves the flow of blood to the brain, which explains why you feel energized after eating dark chocolate.

  1. Blue potatoes

Sure, this is not brown lentils or other veggies that you can easily find in your local grocery store. But it is worth looking out for when you go to a farmer’s market. The blue hue from these potatoes is due to the powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins that can bolster memory and reduce inflammation in the brain.

10 Foods That Will Boost Your Mood And Make You Happy | Uncustomary

  1. Goji berries

Goji berries are widely available in the Americas and Asia. It is usually dried before exported.

This is one of the most nutritious berries on the planet, being rich in proteins, amino acids, and minerals. It is also packed with antioxidants that can fight off free radicals and delay the aging process. It is also a tonic that can improve mood and well-being.

  1. Chickpeas

This protein-dense food contains B6 that can reduce stress levels. Being rich in protein, chickpeas can also promote the production of dopamine and serotonin hormones that can improve your mood.
You can eat chickpeas in numerous methods. You can add them to salads, or use them in stews and even hummus.

10 Foods That Will Boost Your Mood And Make You Happy | Uncustomary

  1. Honey

While it is as sweet as sugar, honey has far more health benefits than its counterpart. And among those benefits is lifting one’s mood. It has compounds like kaempferol and quercetin that can fight free radicals and reduce inflammation.

Try adding raw honey to a mug of tea in the morning, and you’ll notice the difference in your mood afterward.

  1. Salmon

Finally, salmon is loaded with omega 3 fatty acids that can ease depressive symptoms. This fish is also high in docosahexaenoic acid that is not only good for your skin but can also improve your mood, fight off depression and make you less hostile.

You can roast or bake salmon. You can also slice it in a salad, or top it with some mustard sauce. But remember to choose the fresh one, you don’t want to eat a salad with spoiled salmon, do you? Indeed, there are plenty of ways to enjoy salmon.

Conclusion

These 10 foods are all proven to have an impact on your mood. So during those times when you feel like you woke up on the wrong side of the bed, why don’t you eat any of these foods? I am sure you will feel a lot better after consuming any of these mood-boosting foods.


[pextestim pex_attr_name=”Susan Conley” pex_attr_img=”https://uncustomary.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Bio-Susan.jpg” pex_attr_org=”Cook The Stone” pex_attr_link=”http://www.cookthestone.com/” pex_attr_parallax=”disabled”]Susan is a woman behind the blog Cook The Stone. You will see her passions on cooking and writing through her blog. Cooking is sharing, so let’s encourage her sharing by any suggestion or advice. She will appreciate that. Susan can be found on Twitter as well.[/pextestim]