Foods to boost your mood
Well being is all about giving yourself the best you can in your mind and body and what better way to do that than to eat the right foods. I personally live a full plant based lifestyle and love how different foods can support my physical health but also my mental well being. So here our a list of foods that I love to include into my diet.
Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are one of the best sources of the mineral selenium, and studies have shown that people who are low in selenium have increased rates of depression, irritability, anxiety and tiredness.
Oats
Oats are an effective mood booster because of their low glycaemic index (GI) they slowly release energy into the bloodstream, which keeps blood sugar and mood stable. Oats also contain the mood-boosting mineral selenium.
Bananas
Bananas contain the amino acid tryptophan as well as vitamins A, B6 and C, fibre, potassium, phosphorous, iron and carbohydrate. Mood-boosting carbohydrates aid in the absorption of tryptophan in the brain, while vitamin B6 helps convert the tryptophan into the mood-lifting hormone serotonin.
Lentils
Lentils are a complex carbohydrate like bananas, so they help increase the brain’s production of the feel-good serotonin. This results are a calmer, happier state of mind with less anxiety.
Dark Chocolate 80% – My favourite!
There’s a reason why chocolate always seems to make you feel good. A small square of dark chocolate causes the brain to release endorphins and boost serotonin levels. Studies show that chocolate eaters produce less stress hormones and their anxiety levels decreased.
