We all have days when we feel low and a little under the weather. Most times it is because things didn’t go our way or the way that we had imagined. It’s even worse when you cannot control the situation or what happens next. On such days, the smallest thing can easily blow out of proportion. We tend to over-react and be overwhelmed by our emotions. What you have to remember is that it’s a bad day and not a bad life. No matter how big your problems are, they shall come to pass.
They say “garbage in, garbage out.” Although this saying was originally intended for computer systems, it applies to human beings as well. What you consume has a great impact on how you feel. The irony is that most time our ‘comfort food’ consists of sweet sugars and fatty foods that are unhealthy.
Instead, here are a few healthy foods that you can consume to boost your mood and energy.
- Fish
Omega-3 fatty acids cannot be produced by the body, and therefore we have to obtain them from our diet. Fish is a very good source of this component. There are also dietary supplements, but preferably you should eat foods such as salmon and tuna. Research has shown that Omega 3 has the ability to lower the levels of depression in a person. If you are not a big fan of fish then you can opt for the dietary supplements. This will help to boost your mood and uplift your energy. Lifestyle: 6 Immune Boosting Foods You Should Eat More
Lifestyle: 8 Health And Nutritional Benefits Of Fish
- Green Tea
Green tea has numerous benefits. Aside from its antioxidant properties, I’ve also heard people saying that it’s an instant cure to a hangover. It contains an amino acid called L-theanine. Studies have shown that L-theanine increases dopamine production, thus causing an antidepressant effect and enhancing cognitive function. 9 reasons why tea is good for you!
11 Health Benefits Of Green Tea
- Dark Chocolate
If you’re looking for a good reason to eat dark chocolate, here’s one. Dark chocolate can boost your mood and elevate your energy levels. It releases a flow of feel-good compounds, such as caffeine that makes you more alert and energetic, theobromine which stimulates feelings of contentment and happiness, and N-acylethanolamine which boosts a person’s mood.
- Yoghurt
Yoghurt improves the health of your gut and can boost a person’s mood. Probiotics are good bacteria that are found in yoghurt. According to a study conducted at the Leiden Institute of Brain and Cognition, this bacteria may decrease inflammation in the gut. The bacteria also increase levels of tryptophan, an amino acid involved in the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin has been associated with feelings of well-being and happiness. 6 Reasons Why You Should Increase Your Consumption Of Yoghurt
- Fruits
There’s no doubt that certain fruits have a very refreshing feeling. They make you feel healthy and improve your well-being. Now research has proven that there’s an inverse relationship between fruit consumption and the risk of depression. Fruits have the ability to lower levels of depression and boost a person’s mood.
Bananas particularly have the ability to turn a frown upside down. They are high in vitamin B6 which helps to synthesize feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Bananas Are Good For Your Health: Here Is Why You Need To Eat More Of This Delicious Fruit
Berries are also rich in flavonoid, which helps to regulate a person’s mood, improve memory and reduce inflammation. Lifestyle: The Benefits Of Berries And Some Of The Important Berries To Eat
Oranges, lemons, mangoes and all fruits that are rich in Vitamin C are stress-buffers. The vitamin allows the body to quickly clear out cortisol which is a primary stress hormone and thereby preventing blood pressure from spiking in response to stressful situations. Lifestyle: The Health Benefits Of Vitamin C, Food Sources And Its Benefits In Fighting COVID-19
- Mushrooms
Mushrooms have numerous benefits. Among these is their ability to improve a person’s mood. Here’s how. Reishi mushrooms are a popular anti-anxiety remedy, helping to regulate cortisol (a stress hormone) levels and thereby promoting calm and ease.
Cordyceps mushrooms help to increase oxygen absorption of the body which is vital in the creation of energy. Chaga mushrooms have also been linked to benefiting a person’s mental health. They have a normalizing effect on the body and act to help improve resistance to stress.
Lifestyle: Six Health Benefits Of Mushrooms
- Oats
I haven’t met many people who like oats, but if you create recipes and include fruits, they are extremely delicious. Oats are often taken for breakfast, and now research has proven that they can make you feel happier and more content. They have a low glycaemic index, meaning that they release slowly release energy into the bloodstream, which keeps blood sugar and mood stable.
This is a good thing because, on the other hand, sweets give you a “sugar rush” which dips quickly and thereby leaving you feeling irritable. They also contain a mood-boosting mineral called selenium. Lifestyle: 6 Health Benefits Of Oats
Healthy Oat Recipes You Should Try
- Nuts
As you may know, nuts generally give satiety value. According to Healthline, nuts like almonds, walnuts, and cashews have high calories and an abundance of proteins, carbs, and healthy fats. These nutrients can provide you with a slow release of energy during the day and therefore boost your mood. They also have vitamins and minerals such as manganese, iron, B vitamins, and vitamin E which increase energy production and decrease tiredness. Lifestyle: The Benefits Of Nuts And The Most Nutritious Ones To Eat
Read about How To Manage Your Emotions Effectively and 6 Health Benefits Of Eating Foods Rich In Omega 3 Fatty Acids And Their Sources
