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Five Foods To Boost Your Mood Instantly

By Chidirim Ndeche
03 August 2017   |   3:00 pm
We tend to get upset, disappointed, frustrated or just moody for no reason. You may have had a bad day, heard sad news, or thought of something that put you in a terrible mood. While these things are inevitable, you do not have to let them ruin your mood. You can alter your life experience…

We tend to get upset, disappointed, frustrated or just moody for no reason. You may have had a bad day, heard sad news, or thought of something that put you in a terrible mood. While these things are inevitable, you do not have to let them ruin your mood. You can alter your life experience by focusing on being, doing and eating good.

Here are five things you can eat to boost your mood instantly:

1. Chocolate

dark chocolate. Photo: The Odyssey Online

Eating dark chocolate not only satisfies your sweet tooth, it also makes you feel happy. Thanks to the antioxidants in chocolate, it helps reduce stress, lift moods and trigger feelings of euphoria and can act as an anti-depressant. Be careful though. Overindulging in this will cause a few extra pounds of weight to creep in.

2. Fish

Fish. Photo: CHFA

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and eggs, may protect against the effects of stress. A diet rich in oily, fatty fish can improve your mood by keeping your brain cells flexible and enabling the brain’s messaging chemicals work more effectively, as omega 3 fatty acids make up a large percentage of our brain tissue. Omega-3s alter brain chemicals linked with mood—specifically dopamine and serotonin. (Low levels of serotonin are linked with depression, aggression and suicidal tendencies, while dopamine is a “reward” chemical that the brain releases in response to pleasurable experiences, such as eating or having sex.) Go for oily fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel or tuna to keep your brain healthy and happy.

3. Coconut

Coconuts. Photo: Run Moore

Inhaling a pleasant scent enhances alertness while soothing your response to stress. Coconut meat is a rich source of protein and fibre that provides energy to the body and reduces feeling of fatigue. You can also cook with coconut oil. Its wonderful scent can enhance alertness and soothe our stresses at the same time.

4. Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables. Photo: Al Peakes and Sons

A healthy diet also contributes to general feelings of wellbeing, but some vitamins and minerals especially, like Vitamin B, may help to boost mood. In a recent study of close to 3,500 men and women published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, those who reported eating a diet rich in whole foods in the previous year were less likely to report feeling depressed than those who ate lots of desserts, fried foods, processed meats, refined grains and high-fat dairy products. Previous studies have shown that antioxidants in fruits and vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids in fish are associated with lower risk of depression. Folate, a B vitamin found in beans, citrus and dark green vegetables like spinach, affects neurotransmitters that impact mood. It’s possible that the protectiveness of the whole-food diet comes from a cumulative effect of these nutrients.

5. Chewing gum

LeBron James blowing a bubble. Photo: The Epoch Times

The repetitive action of gnawing on gum can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety and stress. Research suggests chewing on a piece of chewing gum may help reduce anxiety and even improve mood. Not only may chewing gum relieve stress, but studies suggest chewing gum can also increase alertness and blood flow in the brain. Now that’s something to chew on.

While no mood sticks around forever, if a bad mood lasts for two or more straight weeks, it might be a good idea to seek professional help, as this could be a sign of depression.

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