Let's accept it—chasing happiness consumes the majority of our lives. We continuously experiment with different therapies, workout routines, and meditation techniques to better our mental health. But did you know that some foods might make you feel better? In the past ten years, research on the relationship between diet and mental health has grown, and specific meals are linked to higher levels of serotonin in our brains. The neurotransmitter serotonin, sometimes referred to as the "happy hormone," is crucial in controlling our mood. Mood instability might result from low serotonin levels.

Check out our list of natural ways to control anxiety for additional information on managing anxiety without drugs and try these easy strategies to enhance your mental health without therapy.

Foods that boost your mood

1. Dark chocolate

You've probably seen the typical movie scene where a girl is eating a tub of chocolate ice cream while lounging on the couch. Hollywood had it right after all. A thorough review revealed that dark chocolate can elevate one's mood. Tryptophan, theobromine, and phenylethylalanine are the three primary ingredients in chocolate that are linked to a happy mood. The brain uses the amino acid tryptophan to make serotonin. A mild stimulant that might lift your spirits is theobromine. In the meantime, the body uses phenylethylalanine, another amino acid, to make dopamine, an antidepressant.

2. Bananas

Bananas are perhaps the definition of "good mood food" if such a thing exists. However, they might not be what you believe to be. Bananas can have an indirect, but significant impact on mood regulation. The production of serotonin by your body requires vitamin B6, which bananas are particularly high in. Up to 0.4 mg of vitamin B6 can be found in a single medium banana, or about 25% of the daily required amount.

3. Coconut

Coconut could put your taste buds and mood in a tropical frame of mind if you have the wintertime blues. Medium-chain triglycerides, which are abundant in coconut, can help you feel more energised. A study indicated that coconut milk may lessen anxiety, which is another reason why coconut is regarded as a mood food. To properly grasp the relationship between anxiety and coconut in people, more research is nonetheless required.

4. Coffee

This one is for the billion coffee drinkers in the world. Now that you know that coffee is improving the world one sip at a time, you can justify drinking it (in moderation, of course). Coffee drinking is significantly connected with a lower incidence of depression, according to a 2016 study.

5. Fermented foods

Fermented foods, such as kimchi, akhuni, kombucha, yoghurt, etc., help you maintain a healthy stomach and may also lift your mood. Probiotics are produced during the fermentation process, and these probiotics maintain good gut health. What connection does your mood have to your gut right now? A lot! Up to 90% of serotonin produced by your body is created from gut cells. Therefore, consuming fermented foods help with serotonin production.

The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical or health condition.