1. Swiss Chard
High in folate, also known as folic acid, swiss chard and other leafy greens are good for your mood. In fact, a
study by the University of York and Hull York Medical School found a link between low folate levels and depression.
2. Dark Chocolate
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If you needed another reason to indulge in dark chocolate, it’s this one: dark chocolate can make you happier. A
study
in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that consuming chocolate
high in cocoa flavanols increased levels of calmness and contentedness.
3. Eggs
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With their essential fatty acids, eggs help your body to naturally produce
serotonin.
Low serotonin levels are linked to depression, anxiety, insomnia and fatigue.
4. Almonds
Credit: Sean Winters via flickr
Almonds pack a lot of nutrients, including folate and magnesium. Magnesium is essential to
brain health, and studies have linked it to a
reduction in depression, but is often deficient in modern diets. So eat more of those almonds!
5. Lentils
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Lentils are a good source of folate which is essential for your mood, and a
cup of cooked lentils provides 90 percent of the recommended daily allowance of folic acid. Lentils also have the amino acid
L-tyrosine, which your brain uses to make the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, therefore helping your brain to
combat depression.
6. Pumpkin Seeds
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A zinc deficiency can
trigger depressive moods, but fortunately pumpkin seeds are packed with the essential mineral. Pumpkin seeds also contain
L-tryptophan, a natural mood booster.
7. Oatmeal
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While some think oatmeal is one of the most boring foods on the
planet, it’s good for your mental state. That’s thanks to a lot of
things, including
high levels of magnesium,
which help your brain fight depression and anxiety. Since it’s also a
great source of soluble fiber, it helps stabilize blood sugar levels,
which helps you avoid mood swings.
8. Honey
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The nutrients in honey produce a
calming effect, helpful
if you’re feeling anxious, which is why many mix it into a cup of tea
in the evening. A natural sweetener, it’s also a good natural energy
booster, so if you feel like you’re dragging, pop a spoonful in your
mouth. Nature’s energy gel.
9. Flaxseed Oil
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Our standard American Diet has left us very omega-3 deficient and
that can be bad for your mental state: omega-3 has been shown to be an
effective supplement for fighting depression. Flaxseed oil is an easy way to get a mega dose of omega-3 essential fatty acids, helping to improve your mood.
10. Water
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A glass of water may be the simplest thing you can ingest, but it’s very helpful. Mild dehydration has been shown to
dampen moods, which means if you want to feel mentally stronger, make sure you’re getting enough H2O throughout the day.
11. Asparagus
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Feel like you’ve been having a lot of mood swings lately? Get some
asparagus on your plate, because it is very high in folic acid — a
deficiency that is
common in people with depression.
Reposted from We Care2