There are many foods that can help you improve your mood. Food plays a huge role in how we feel. Food to uplift your mood is not the same for everyone. Some people need chocolate, others need meat and potatoes, and some people just need something light like fruits or vegetables.

Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate desserts with a bit of caffeine are going to give you that pick-me-up most people need. Here’s how some dark chocolate can make an impact on your day: Dark chocolates contain Phenylalanine, which is converted into the neurotransmitter serotonin. The serotonin in turn, is converted into melatonin to regulate sleep cycles. Melatonin also has been linked to mood balance and feelings of happiness.

Fermented food

Fermented foods, which include kimchi, yogurt, kefir, and tempeh, are good for your gut. They help to feed the probiotics in our guts that keep us healthy by making sure there is a balance of good bacteria. Foods such as these have been shown to improve moods because they produce serotonin and dopamine which can promote feelings of happiness.

Nuts

Nuts are also beneficial for those looking for a mood boost. They are full of omega-three fatty acids, magnesium and vitamin E which can help with a range of things from anxiety to depression.

Fruits and vegetables 

Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins that the body needs for energy production as well as produce serotonin–which promotes feelings better moods. Bananas may help turn a frown upside down because they contain serotonin-producing tryptophan and potassium which can reduce stress. They’re high in vitamin B6 and magnesium which can also help with stress-induced depression.

Fatty fish

Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of essential fats that are important for the brain and nervous system, so if you’re feeling a little off balance in your moods it may be good to include some fish in your diet. Fatty fish like salmon and albacore tuna can help to balance your mood because they are high in omega-three fatty acids.

Omega-3s contribute to the fluidity of your brain’s cell membranes to regulate mood and memory.

Oats

Oats are a whole grain that contains a cholesterol-lowering agent that may help some people with their mood. Eating carbs like oats helps you feel fuller, which can make it easier to control your weight and eat less on days when dieting isn’t going so well.

Coffee

Coffee, tea, chocolate and other caffeinated drinks can help you feel less lethargic. The caffeine in coffee prevents your body from making new adenosine, which is a chemical the brain produces as you become tired. Drinking coffee can not only make your mood better but also help with other issues such as sleep deprivation.

A study in 72 people found that both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffe hade the same effect on mood.

Coffee has been shown to produce a dose-dependent increase in human levels of serotonin, with an average peak time of about 50 minutes after consumption. It also stimulates the production of dopamine and adrenaline which can help promote feelings of happiness.

The recommended amount is between 200 mg per day for people who are not sensitive to caffeine. Both coffee and tea contain the natural stimulants, caffeine and Theobromine that may help improve moods. Tea contains less than half of the amount of Caffeine as does Coffee but can also have a positive effect on your mood.

There you have it! Food that can uplift your mood. A few of these and I bet you’ll be feeling great.