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Top 7 Foods To Improve Mood
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Bananas
Bananas have the remarkable ability to make you feel better, due to their tryptophan content. This amino acid is transformed into serotonin by the body and is used by the brain to calm down and feel good. Serotonin is often prescribed by doctors to people suffering from depression.
In a study conducted by Simon Young, Young said that "Nonpharmacologic methods of raising brain serotonin may not only improve mood and social functioning of healthy people — a worthwhile objective even without additional considerations — but would also make it possible to test the idea that increases in brain serotonin may help protect against the onset of various mental and physical disorders."
Young, Simon N. "How to Increase Serotonin in the Human Brain without Drugs." J Psychiatry Neurosci 32.6 (2007): 394-99. How to Increase Serotonin in the Human Brain without Drugs. US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, Nov. 2007. Web. 15 June 2012.
Salmon
Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which the brain needs in order to function properly. The only way we can get this essential nutrient into our bodies, is by eating it, because the human body does not produce it on its own.
According to The University of Maryland Medical Center, "Symptoms of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency include fatigue, poor memory, dry skin, heart problems, mood swings or depression, and poor circulation."
Ehrlich, Steven D. "Disclaimer." University of Maryland Medical Center. University of Maryland Medical Center, 10 May 2011. Web. 20 June 2012.
Fruits and Vegetables
Growing up, children are always told they should eat plenty of vegetables and fruits. But here is another good reason: "In a one study, eating two more servings of fruits and vegetables a day was associated with an 11% higher likelihood of good functional health," according to the WebMD website.
"Foods to Help You Feel Better." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 20 June 2012.
Whole Grain Bread
Whole grain bread is a good source of selenium. "Research suggests that the presence of oxidative stress in the brain is associated with some cases of mild to moderate depression in the elderly population." By consuming whole grain bread, you are eating antioxidants, and are in turn fighting off those stress inducing oxidants.
"Foods to Help You Feel Better." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 20 June 2012.
Green Tea
Green tea has long been known for its health benefits. While all tea has antioxidants, green tea especially has high numbers of polyphenols, which have been used in "improving mental processes."
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, "L-theanine, an amino acid compound found in green tea, has been studied for its calming effects on the nervous system." So, if you're feeling down, drink green tea.
Ehrlich, Steven D. "Disclaimer." University of Maryland Medical Center. University of Maryland Medical Center, 14 Oct. 2011. Web. 20 June 2012.
Milk
Not only is milk good for your bones, but dairy may increase your happiness because they contain vitamin D.
As Joy Bauer said in an article published on the Today show website, "vitamin D might help relieve mood disorders because it seems to increase the amounts of serotonin, one of the neurotransmitters responsible for mood. In particular, vitamin D seems to help the type of depression called 'seasonal affective disorder (SAD),' or the winter blues."
Bauer, Joy. "Improve Your Mood with These Foods." TODAY.com. MSNBC, 31 Oct. 2006. Web. 20 June 2012.
Dark chocolate
Chocolate is a woman's best friend, right?
The majority of women reach for a chocolate bar when they feel down, and now "researchers have found that eating chocolate, the number one food craved by American women, causes the brain to release endorphins, chemicals that make us feel good," according to an CNN online article. Adam Drewnowski of the University of Michigan said that "Eating chocolate is a natural painkiller," due to endorphins that are released by this dark favorite.
Dark chocolate contains the most of these chemicals and thus have been shown to be the most comforting, so next time you have a chocolate craving, indulge!
Ciampa, Linda. "Researchers Say Chocolate Triggers Feel-good Chemicals." CNN. Cable News Network, 14 Feb. 1996. Web. 20 June 2012.
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