Boost your mood with food

Avocados are not only trending among millennials, they also pack a ton of heart-healthy unsaturated fats, fibre, and phytochemicals (a.k.a. biologically active components in plants) for satiety and disease-fighting powers. Essentially, are full of healthy, beneficial fats that help to keep us full and satiated to improve our sense of wellbeing.

So be sure to add some avocado slices or cubes to your salad or sandwich or even have it on its own as a snack and over time you’ll feel better both in mind and body.

Bananas are among the world's most popular fruit. They’re highly portable and easy to consume, making them a perfect on-the-go snack. Apart from that, bananas are super good for you. Everyone knows bananas are full of potassium, but what you may not know is that they also contain tryptophan, a brain chemical that helps to regulate mood.

Bananas are also a good source of natural sugars like sucrose, fructose and glucose providing you with a fat and cholesterol-free source of energy, making them ideal for children and athletes. 

Choc-o-holics rejoice! Studies have found that chocolate can make you happy as it causes the brain to release endorphins – hormones also known as the “bliss chemical” that reduces cortisol (stress hormone) and helps us to relax.

In fact, dark chocolate is found to be especially good for you as it contains several compounds that possess antioxidant properties, such as flavonoids and polyphenols. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative stress. Oxidative stress refers to the damage that excessive amounts of free radicals can inflict on cells and tissues in the body causing risks of cancer, heart disease, asthma and stroke. Of course balance is key and the recommended amount to enjoy a day is approximately an ounces or two, which is equivalent to about 30g to 60g.

Everyone knows the saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but have you really questioned why this is the case? What makes an apple so good for you? Well to start off, apples are a good source of fibre and vitamin C. They also contain polyphenols, which have numerous health benefits. Studies have also shown that eating more fruits like apples can help people to be calmer, happier and more energetic in their daily life. 

Green and leafy vegetables like spinach are immensely good for you as it is an excellent source of fibre and the vitamin B folate. Fibre is important for gut health, which is where much of our serotonin is produced and eating spinach can positively impact serotonin levels to boost your mood.

Meanwhile folate deficiency can contribute to depressed mood, which is why incorporating vitamin B folate rich foods help boost your mood. Now we know why this green leafy vegetable is Popeye’s go to meal.