5 Foods That Lift Your Mood Naturally

When you’re depressed and want to recover from this, add some foods to your regular diet which might help. According to some studies, the following foods may help in decreasing stress, relieving anxiety and depression. In fact our bodies respond different types of foods in different ways. Foods like white breads and pasta and deep-fried treats leave us feeling heavy and down These foods neither healthy nor swing your mood.  Here we will discuss some foods that lift lift your mood naturally and help you in getting better result.

1. Fruits & Vegetables (and other whole foods)

According to a recent study, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry,on 3,500 men and women, people who had taken more amount of fruits, vegetables and other whole foods in the previous year, were mentally less depressed than people who ate too much fried foods, processed meats,  desserts, refined grains and high-fat containing dairy products.  The causes behind these are the omega-3 fatty acids in fish and antioxidants in fruits and vegetables help in decreasing depression. Citrus, dark green vegetables and beans contain a vitamin B, Folate, influence neurotransmitters that makes your mood better.

2. Fish

Fishes like salmon, sardines, tuna, rainbow trout and mussels contain omega-3 fatty acid which is a main mood-lifting nutrient. The human body doesn’t produce Omega-3 fatty acid and therefore we need to take foods rich in Omega-3. Omega-3 helps in modifying brain chemicals, dopamine and serotonin which are associated with mood. Due to low levels of serotonin, depression, anger and suicidal tendencies occur. But when a person is happy, dopamine is released from the brain.

3. Saffron

A recent study reveals that women suffering from PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) were relieved by taking saffron. During the study 50 women with PMS were given two (15 mg) saffron capsules or placebo capsules daily for more than two menstrual cycles and they were under track. At last, it has been found out that the mood swings and depression of more ¾ of the total number of women reduced to half. Researchers say that Saffron works like antidepressants fluoxetine which helps in supplying neurotransmitter serotonin to the brain.

4. Whole Grains

Whole grains and high-fiber rich foods are better than refined sugar and refined flour products, because fiber containing foods are good for body and brain. It keeps your blood sugar under control as you avoid sugar contained foods and highly refined carbohydrates. Blood sugar controlling foods can lift your mood by helping in controlling brain neurotransmitter secretions. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says when women have to take 25 grams of fiber daily, men require 38 grams.

5. Nuts

Nuts are healthy foods rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. If you consume fresh nuts on a daily the calorie content of your body will increase quickly. Therefore take 1 ounce of mixed nuts such as walnuts and almonds in a day. Chew soaked nuts rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like walnuts and almonds, for the best long-term results.