15 Superfoods for a Better Mood
Posted On
This is the second part of a four-part series about superfoods for a better mood. Which food should you eat in order to be happy, and fight depression? Let’s have a look!
Eat These Superfoods for a Better Mood
1. Walnuts
They are one of the richest plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Only 30 grams a day will do to better your mood.
2. Asparagus
They contain a valuable amount of mood-boosting nutrients like folate, chromium, or vitamins A, C, E, and K. The Chinese government has approved asparagus extract as a natural functional food for its anxiety-reducing properties
3. Eggs
Studies found that the consumption of animal products, especially eggs, may have positive effects on mental health.
4. Green Tea
Studies show that drinking green tea lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol while it betters the mood by increasing dopamine and serotonin.
5. Orange
The flavonoids contained in oranges are linked to an increase of several beneficial probiotic bacteria which affect your mental health positively.
6. Lemon
The consumption of lemon gives your body an instant dose of energy while it helps reduce anxiety and depression. Even the scent of lemon has a relaxing effect.
7. Chili Pepper
The capsaicin contained in chili peppers produces antidepressant-like effects.
8. Strawberry
They are packed with antioxidants. Their anti-inflammatory effects can improve mental health.
9. Sweet potato
Sweet potatoes are rich in magnesium, which can help reduce depression, stress, and anxiety.
10. Spinach
Spinach has anti-stress and anti-depressive properties by lowering CORT and increasing glutamate and glutamine levels
11. Chickpeas
They are rich in Tryptophan, an amino acid that our body needs in order to produce serotonin.
12. Raspberries
They are true superfoods, they contain beta-carotene, flavonoids, antioxidants, and vitamin C and E.
13. Blueberries
They also contain the antioxidant flavonoid anthocyanin, which is associated with a reduced risk of depression.
14. Bilberries
A study has shown that the consumption of bilberries reduces symptoms of stress and depression.
15. Redcurrant
Redcurrants contain considerable amounts of vitamin B, especially vitamin B5 and B3. Consumption of these vitamins has calming effects.
SOURCES
US National Library of Medicine: Lower Depression Scores among Walnut Consumers in NHANES
Harvard.edu: Superfoods or Superhype?
cnet: What are superfoods, exactly?
Live Science: What Are Superfoods?
Healthline: 16 Superfoods That Are Worthy of the Title
Medical News Today: What are superfoods and why should you eat them?
