The food we eat can affect the way we feel, think and act. These 7 foods can lead to a healthier brain and improve your mood. However, there is not any one diet that is good for everyone. Each person is different. And what they need to happier is different. Consider this is a starting guide.
Each of these whole foods are unprocessed, natural, and without any additives or chemicals. Most noteworthy, it is possible to boost your sense of well-being with the right kind of soul-nurturing foods, you just need to know which ones to put in your shopping cart.
1. Greens
When it comes to feeling good, there is nothing better. Dark green veggies, such as collard greens and spinach, are a rich source of vitamin C and magnesium.
2. Nut and Seeds
Don’t underestimate the power of nuts and seeds. Flax/chia/hemp/pumpkin seeds and walnuts are great sources of mood-boosting omega-3s. In addition, studies show cashews provide the equivalent effects as a therapeutic dose of Prozac.
3. Cacao
Cacao is a superfood that forms the base for chocolate. As a matter of fact, it is rich in agents that enhance the production of various feel-good chemicals in the brain, notably serotonin and dopamine. Due to cocoa’s anti-depressant and mood-elevating properties, it’s no surprise to the millions of people self-medicate with chocolate every day.
4. Fermented Foods
Most of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut, not the brain. Thus, the gut and the brain are intrinsically linked.
Consistently providing your intestines with a plethora of ‘good bacteria’ to help them function to their utmost ability is essential. Fermented foods such as raw sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh, miso, and drinks like water kefir, coconut kefir, and kombucha, are awesome at this, as they feed the healthy bacteria in the digestive system.
Add these soul-nurturing foods to your shopping cart and improve your mood naturally!
5. Wild Fish
In those suffering from depression, omega-3 fatty acids may help improve your mood. Wild fish contain high concentrations of omega-3s, especially salmon and trout.
Plus omega-3s are great at reducing inflammation in the body (one of the major causes of mood disorders.) In fact, you should eat three servings of wild fatty fish each week in order to experience its benefits. Alternatively, a supplement like krill oil, can work just as well. Other plant-based sources of healthy fats include seeds and unrefined, cold-pressed coconut oil.
6. Maca
Purchased as a powder, maca is a Peruvian root vegetable high in phytochemicals. It not only helps balance insulin, which controls blood sugar, and dopamine, but also stabilizes and may improve your mood.
Try adding 1 teaspoon to your morning smoothie or oatmeal and reap the benefits all day.
7. Complex Carbs
Complex carbohydrates such as chickpeas, lentils, nuts, oats, brown rice, potatoes, sweet corn, wholegrain cereals, bananas and starchy vegetables encourage serotonin production. Consequently, you must make sure to skip the wheat products. Since it’s been shown that depression and anxiety may sometimes be an indicator of gluten sensitivity, check with your doctor before you change your diet.