Food is not only a source of energy for your body, but it can also have a profound impact on your mood and emotions. Eating certain foods can make you feel happy and content whereas consuming others can leave you feeling anxious, moody, and low.

If you’re looking to boost your mood, here are the ten foods that you should try to consume more often.

1. Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which are known to have mood-boosting effects. It also has the ability to stimulate the production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators.

Eating a small piece of dark chocolate can give you an instant feeling of happiness and contentment.

2. Berries

Most berries are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, both of which are essential for maintaining good mental health. They also contain natural plant compounds that can help to reduce inflammation in the brain, which can lead to better mental health.

Adding berries to your diet can help to improve your mood and reduce stress levels.

3. Fatty fish

Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for good mental health. These healthy fats can help to reduce inflammation in the brain and improve mood, memory, and concentration.

Eating fatty fish at least twice a week can help to boost your mood and improve your overall mental health.

4. Nuts

Nuts are high in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, all of which can help to improve your mood and reduce stress levels.

They also contain a range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc, which are essential for good mental health. Adding a handful of nuts to your diet each day can help to improve your mood and overall mental wellbeing.

5. Whole grains

Whole grains like oats, brown rice, and quinoa are excellent sources of complex carbohydrates, which are known to help stabilize blood sugar levels and improve mood.

They also contain a range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, magnesium, and selenium, all of which are essential for good mental health. Eating whole grains can help to improve your mood and reduce anxiety and depression.

6. Leafy greens

Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens are rich in a range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, and folate, all of which are essential for good mental health.

They also contain natural plant compounds that can help to reduce inflammation in the brain and improve mood. Eating more leafy greens can help to boost your mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

7. Fermented foods

Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir are rich in probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that live in your gut and play a crucial role in your mental health.

These good bacteria help to produce neurotransmitters like serotonin, which are essential for good mental health. Eating more fermented foods can help to improve your mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

8. Bananas

Bananas are rich in tryptophan, which is an amino acid that helps to produce serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood and improving mental health.

Eating a banana each day can help to boost your mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

9. Red meat

Red meat like beef and lamb are excellent sources of iron, which is essential for good mental health.

Iron plays a crucial role in the production of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood and promote feelings of happiness and pleasure. Eating red meat in moderation can help to improve your mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

10. Avocado

Avocado is rich in healthy fats, fiber, and a range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium, all of which are essential for good mental health.

It also contains natural plant compounds that can help to reduce inflammation in the brain and improve mood. Adding avocado to your diet can help to boost your mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.