Stressed Out? 6 Mood-Boosting Foods to Get Your ‘Happy Hormones’ Pumping

On stressful days, sweet foods are particularly appealing.

Indeed, after eating something sweet, it feels like stress melts away and your mood improves.

According to research investigating the link between food nutrients and mental health,

certain foods can increase serotonin in the brain.

Serotonin, often called the ‘happy hormone’, plays a crucial role in regulating mood.

Low serotonin levels can lead to unstable moods. Let's explore foods that boost your mood with happy hormones.

◆ Bananas

While bananas do contain serotonin,

they play a more indirect yet important role in mood regulation.

Our bodies need vitamin B6 to produce serotonin,

and bananas are particularly rich in this nutrient.

A medium-sized banana contains up to 0.4 mg of vitamin B6,

which is about 25% of the daily recommended intake.

◆ Coconut

Coconuts are rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which help boost energy.

Another reason why coconut is considered a mood-boosting food is that

a 2017 animal study found that MCTs in coconut milk could reduce anxiety.

More research is needed to fully understand the link between anxiety and coconut in humans.

◆ Dark Chocolate

Numerous studies suggest that dark chocolate can positively impact mood.

Chocolate contains tryptophan, theobromine, and phenylethylamine, all of which are associated with feelings of happiness.

Tryptophan is an amino acid the brain uses to produce serotonin.

Theobromine is a mild stimulant that can improve mood, and

phenylethylamine is an amino acid used to produce dopamine, which has antidepressant effects.

◆ Yogurt

Fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi help maintain gut health,

and can also help improve mood.

This is because probiotics produced during fermentation contribute to healthy bacteria in the gut.

Up to 90% of the serotonin produced in our bodies is made in the gut,

so consuming fermented foods promotes serotonin production.

◆ Coffee

According to a 2016 meta-analysis, coffee consumption was significantly associated with a reduced risk of depression.

Another small study also found that coffee significantly improved the mood of participants compared to those who drank other beverages, regardless of caffeine content.

◆ Berries

A 2016 meta-analysis found a strong correlation between fruit and vegetable intake and improved mental health.

Berries, in particular, are rich in antioxidants known as flavonoids, which can reduce symptoms of depression.

Another study conducted with blueberry juice showed that blueberry consumption could slow the rate of age-related cognitive decline.

Source: Kormedi.com