Boosting your vision, increasing your energy, reducing stress, boosting brain function, or getting rid of fat are all things that seem hard to accomplish. Believe it or not, there are nutrient-rich foods that work to help to do all of those things and more. What you put in your body can greatly influence how it functions. You could be eating foods that worsen your mood or joint function without even knowing it!
How Do Foods Improve Mood?
Healthy cognitive function is integral for regulating mood. Research has found that calcium, chromium, omega-3s, vitamin B6, magnesium, and iron, among others, have the ability to naturally boost mood and combat depression. Being deficient in some of these nutrients can lead to anxiety, depression, or more serious conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. See which nutrients help you feel amazing below.
Folate
A great way to keep the mind sharp as you age is by eating foods that are high in folate. These foods can include black eyed peas, spinach, avocado, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts. Folate has been shown to slow the effects of cognitive decline. Folate aids with new cell production and regulates serotonin, which helps the brain determine moods and social behavior.
Magnesium
Magnesium has many responsibilities (over 300 to be exact) in the body. Magnesium deficiency can cause mental confusion, headaches, fatigue, high stress levels, and irritability. Aiding with serotonin development, magnesium, helps to regulate emotions and balance mood. You may want to check this list of the best plant-based foods that great magnesium sources.
Calcium
As one of the most abundant minerals in the body, calcium helps to strengthen bones and maintain healthy blood vessels. Calcium deficiency tends to affect more women than men, which is why low calcium levels have been linked to PMS-related depression. Check out this list of the best non-dairy calcium foods.
Omega-3s
The body does not produce these essential fatty acids, which is why we need to get them from outside sources. Studies show that balanced omega-3 levels reduce the risk of suicide and depression. Mood swings, memory decline, and fatigue are several symptoms of omega-3 deficiency.
Chromium
Chromium is a trace mineral that is found in small amounts in the body. Not only does it help to metabolize food, but it also helps to regulate insulin and increases serotonin levels in the brain. It also increases melatonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, helping to regulate emotions and mood. Great chromium foods include broccoli, potatoes, and the juice from raw grapes.
