People like to be happy and content. This also helps to keep the moods of the family and society good and tension-free. We do know that foods also have a great role in elevating our moods. So which foods should one consume to keep your moods good and get happiness?
Humans and happiness
We, humans, chase happiness. We try to do things that makes us happy and up and feel good. This helps to keep our mental balance and well-being. Whenever, we are down, we reach out to our comfort foods in order to bring back the spark and joy in our life. Foods do assist a lot in mood elevation.
These foods increase the levels of serotonin in our body. This is the happy hormone and it makes a person feel nice. This is the link between nutrition and mental well-being. Low levels of serotonin can cause mood instability. Here is the list of foods that can boost our mood and happiness:
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate elevates mood (Source: The roasted root)A systemic review study has indeed shown that dark chocolate is good for mood elevation. The three components in the chocolate that can make one happy are tryptophan, theobromine, and phenylethylalanine. These three have great roles in the body when it comes to mental happiness. Tryptophan is an amino acid that is a precursor in the synthesis of serotonin. Theobromine is a weak stimulant that improves one’s mood. And phenylethylalanine is also an amino acid that goes into the production of dopamine that acts as an anti-depressant.
Bananas
Bananas have serotonin in them but this cannot cross the blood brain barrier. But the Vitamin B6 content of this fruit goes into the production of serotonin.
Coconut
This food has a lot of medium chain triglycerides in it and these boost energy. In 2017 came forth an animal study that also showed that these medium chain triglycerides can elevate mood and reduce anxiety. But more research in humans would exactly determine the role of these substances in mental well-being.
Coffee (warm or cold) (Source: Health line)Coffee
Having coffee when the mood is down is common in the world. In 2016, there was a meta-analysis carried out that revealed that drinking coffee can lower one’s risk of depression. Whether caffeinated or not, coffee can elevate and improve mood compared to a placebo drink, another study showed.
Avocado
This creamy fruit has choline in it and this makes us happy on consumption. In 2020, a published study showed that the healthy fats present in avocados did make the female recruits happier and lowered their anxiety. Also, this fruit has high vitamin B content that lowers stress.
Read more: Cranberries improve memory and cognition and reduce bad cholesterol!
Berries
Berries (Source: Better homes and gardens)For a better mental health, berries are beneficial. In 2016, a general meta-analysis showed that fruits and vegetables were linked to better mental health. Berries are rich in antioxidants. These reduce depression symptoms. Another study tried to see whether blueberry juice can slow the cognitive decline associated with age. The results of the study were promising and helped in preventing cognitive decay that was age-related.