Foods that Improve Mood

Everyone has those days where they are not feeling 100% quite like themselves. Whether it’s the things that are happening in our personal lives, work-related, or something else entirely. Depression, anxiety, and stress can happen to anyone. Here is a list of some foods that have been proven to improve a person’s mood and reduce anxiety and stress from Euro-American Connections & Homecare.

Chocolate

Eating dark chocolate for two weeks reduces stress hormones. Chocolate has antioxidants that help with stress. Eating just a small piece of chocolate daily will help reduce stress. This is why people that always eat some chocolate feel better, and who doesn’t love chocolate?

Carbs

A study in the “Archives of Internal Medicine” it was shown that people who follow a low-carb diet vs people that follow a high-carb, low-fat diet experience more depression and anxiety. Carbs help the brain develop more serotonin, which is a chemical that makes a person experience more joy.

Green Tea

High-quality green tea contains L-theanine, which calms the brain and increases focus. Drinking one cup of green tea around lunchtime would benefit a person the most because it would help them focus on the rest of the day.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D decreases depression, studies show. There are many good sources for vitamin D, but one of the best options is fish, particularly Salmon. Salmon contains a lot of vitamin D, Omega-3 and Vitamin B. It can be difficult, and expensive, to eat Salmon every day, but there are other options. Taking vitamin D, vitamin B, and Omega-3 supplements is a great, and less expensive, alternative.

Water

It seems obvious but many people do not drink enough water in the day. Dehydration causes fatigue and a lack of energy which can affect a person’s mood. Our bodies are about 60% water, and we’re constantly losing water in our bodies through sweat. Experts recommend that a person drinks about 2 liters, or half a gallon, of water a day. Not only will this improve someone’s mood but it will also make them healthier. Water helps our skin look cleaner, clearer, and less wrinkled.

Popcorn

Popcorn is a great snack. It is also high in carbs and low in calories. It also holds back hunger, so people do not have to result in eating a full meal, or other unhealthy snacks when they can have a better alternative. Although putting too much butter or salt on the popcorn can also have negative results.

Olive Oil

People that eat more fruit, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil are less likely to develop depression compared to the people that eat more fast food or processed food. Applying some olive oil to your pasta or salad is the best way to add some olive oil to your diet.

Coconut

The scent of coconuts has been shown to slow down a person’s heart rate. Researchers at Columbia University speculate that pleasant scents, like coconut, can reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Sometimes lighting your favorite candle, or some incense is the best option for improving your mood.