Happiness-Boosting Foods You Need to Know
The time has come to start jotting down all the things we want to accomplish in the new year. Personally, I like to keep things simple — like just being happy. When we think about what makes us happy, our diet isn’t usually at the top of the list. But what we eat can play a role in how we feel.
How Nutrition Impacts Mental Wellbeing
Studies have emerged in the past decade linking nutrition and mental wellbeing. Certain foods are associated with increased serotonin in our brains, and serotonin, also known as the "happy hormone," is a chemical that plays an important role in regulating our mood — low levels can lead to mood instability.
8 Foods to Boost Your Happiness
1. Dark Chocolate
You know the typical scene in movies where a girl sits on her couch in sweats, eating a tub of chocolate ice cream. Turns out Hollywood was on to something. Dark chocolate can positively affect one’s mood. Tryptophan, theobromine, and phenylethylalanine are the three main components found in chocolate that are associated with the feeling of happiness.
2. Bananas
If there were ever such a thing as "good mood food," bananas are probably it, but maybe not in the way you think they are. Bananas can play a crucial role in regulating your mood in a more indirect way. Vitamin B6 in bananas is crucial for serotonin production.
3. Coconut
Coconut is loaded with medium-chain triglycerides, which can help boost your energy. A 2017 animal study found that MCTs from coconut milk may reduce anxiety. More research is needed to fully understand the link between anxiety and coconut in humans.
4. Coffee
Now you can justify your coffee intake (in moderation, of course) since coffee is making the world a happier place, one sip at a time. A 2016 meta-analysis concluded that coffee consumption is significantly associated with decreased risk of depression.
5. Avocado
Avocados are making us happier, and it’s not just due to the social media obsession. This smooth and creamy fruit is packed with nutrients including choline, which your body uses to regulate your nervous system and mood.
6. Berries
Consuming more fruit is also associated with better mental health. A 2016 meta-analysis found that fruit and vegetable intake was highly associated with improved mental health. Berries, in particular, are rich in antioxidants, which may reduce depression symptoms.
7. Fermented Foods
Foods that go through a fermentation process like sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, kombucha, and yogurt help maintain a healthy gut and may also help improve your mood. Fermentation creates probiotics, which support healthy bacteria in your gut.
8. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are packed with Vitamin D, which has been linked to antidepressant qualities and may boost your mood. To get the most Vitamin D benefit from mushrooms, expose them to sunlight for a few hours before cooking.
Too Long, Didn’t Read?
When you’re not feeling your best self, your first instinct may be to reach for the pack of cookies. While these may give you some satisfaction, they’re unlikely to help your mental health in the long run. Instead, opt for nutrient-rich foods like the ones on this list to give you a happiness boost.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do these foods only work for individuals with depression? No, they can benefit individuals with mild depression, anxiety, or stress as well.
- Can I only consume these foods in moderation? Yes, a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods is the key to improving mental health.
- How soon can I notice the effects? The effects can vary from individual to individual, but a diet rich in whole foods can show improvements in mood within a few weeks to months.
