Mood Boosting Foods

Do you find yourself feeling a little down-in-the-dump? Are simple tasks like socializing just not something that you want to do? Or do you suffer from depression, 121 million people worldwide do. Well here is some mood boosting information that can lift your spirits, and it’s all to do with what you put in your mouth. Now this will not cure depression and if you do suffer from it please consult your doctor before trying to self-diagnose. However consuming these foods and nutrients will boost your mood and make you a happy little camper.

1) Foods that contain vitamin B12 and folic acid – these two nutrient groups make an incredible team and they are so easy to eat as a pair. Folic acid is found in beans and green vegetables and vitamin B12 is found in meats, fish, poultry and dairy.

2) Enjoy your fruit and vegetables – fruit and veg are packed full of vitamins and nutrients and should be enjoyed by all. They are an amazing pick me up. Go for kiwi fruit, berries and leafy greens as they are full of anti-oxidants that will just make your body feel super healthy and happy.

3) Eat fish several times a week – fish is full of omega 3 fatty acids which are great for the human body just be aware of fish that may contain high mercury levels such as Atlantic tuna or that are on the  endangered species list such as the shark.

4) Get a daily dose of vitamin d – spend a few minutes every day in the sun as this is the best way of getting the vitamin d that you need. Also eat these foods to boost your vitamin d consumption; beef liver, fatty fish, cheese and egg yolks.

5) Treat yourself to dark chocolate – it boosts serotonin which makes you feel a little better about things that are weighing you down.

6) Mussels from Brussels – this is not a reference to Jean Claude Van Damme (ok, maybe it is but it’s just there to put a little smile on your page). Seriously, mussels are the food with the highest content of mood boosting vitamin B12. So dig in.

7) Asparagus – is the top plant source of tryptophan, the mood boosting nutrient that assists the production of serotonin in the brain. It also contains high amounts of folate, which assist the brain’s serotonin receptors.

8) Honey – honey is one of nature’s desserts. It contains nutrients which help fight inflammation in the brain resulting in a happy brain with functioning nerves and receptors.

9) Cherry tomatoes – the skins of tomatoes contains nutrients that help protect the important fat that insulates the brain, cherry tomatoes are a better choice for getting these nutrients as you consume more of the skin when eating them then you would when eating regular sized tomatoes.
 

Mood Hindering Foods

1) High in saturated fats – it is suspected that these foods play a role in depression, anyway saturated fats are bad for your body as a whole so limit them anyway!!

2) Limit alcohol – yes it might make you happy when you are out with friends and drinking it but when you have too much it can trigger depression or aggressive behavior. Furthermore it is a depressant that can affect the nerve cells and receptors in the brain many days after it’s consumption.

3) Don’t overdo it on the coffee – caffeine is a stimulant and can hinder sleep. So limit yourself to 2 – 4 cups a day and have your last coffee no later than 5pm ensuring a great night’s uninterrupted sleep.