10 foods that improve mood

Including these foods in your diet will ensure you are more vital and in a better mood.

Psychology and Nutrition are two disciplines that are related, and in recent years the psychology of eating has been gaining ground. There is a growing awareness of how our emotions affect how we eat and how we eat affects our emotional state. Of course, it also affects our general health.

In this article, we will review the most important aspects of the psychology of eating and delve into the different aspects of the psychology of eating. and we will delve into the different foods that have an impact on our emotional state.

Food and emotions

The relationship between food and emotions is a phenomenon that has aroused the interest of researchers, who understand that food influences our mood, but also our emotions influence our food. For example, when we are stressed we tend to eat worse, something that also happens when we are bored.

In fact, it is well known the Night Eating Syndrome" eating disorder that is closely related to anxiety and depression, and you can learn more about it in our article: "Night Eating Syndrome: causes, symptoms and treatment of this eating disorder".

Studies also suggest that emotions are key to weight loss.When we are emotionally balanced, it is easier for us to stick to a diet and achieve our goals. According to research by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, which involved 1,300 psychologists who answered questions about their work with clients suffering from weight loss problems, concluded that emotions can get in the way of a weight loss plan.

• If you want to know more about this topic, you can read our article: "Emotions are the main obstacle to weight loss".

What effect emotional nutrition has on our organism

What we eat influences our general health, because the nutrients in food allow us to have an optimal level of energy and allow us to supply the body with the substances it requires for its proper functioning.

Food also influences our mood because some foods contain amino acids and other chemical substances, such as tryptophan, which is a precursor of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with happiness, which in low levels is related to depression and obsession.

Emotional foods: what are they?

Now then, what foods influence our mood? A study by the University of Warwick and Dartmouth College attempted to provide scientific evidence on the foods that have the greatest influence on mood. The results conclude that they are as follows.

1. Strawberries

Strawberries are a delicious fruit that are ideal when accompanied with cream. In addition to being an aphrodisiac food, it also seems to be ideal for improving emotional state. And... why? Because of vitamin C, which has proved to be an excellent protector of endorphins, hormones related to pleasure.endorphins, hormones related to pleasure, euphoria and sexuality. Also, the potassium they contain, seems to be key to regulate the nervous system.

2. Cherries

Another delicious fruit that also influences people's mood is cherries. On a physical level, they are good for reducing uric acid levels and are used in the preventive treatment of gout and contain Anti-Inflammatory properties.. They are antioxidants so they fight free radicals. On a psychological level, they have a great influence on moodiness, anxiety and stress levels.

3. Oats

Oatmeal is a cereal rich in protein that contains many antioxidants and vitamins and, thanks to this, has many benefits for both physical and emotional health. Regarding the latter, it provides vitality, i.e., it combats tiredness and low energy levels.. In this sense, it also improves mood.

• It is also an excellent food for weight loss, as you can see in our article: "24 fat-burning (and highly healthy) foods".

4. Milk and dairy products

Dairy products are a great source of vitamins A and B, and minerals, including calcium and phosphorus.. They are also rich in high quality proteins, and their amino acids help improve memory and mood. Some studies claim that milk is relaxing because it contains tryptophan, which, as I have already mentioned, increases serotonin levels, which is related to positive mood.

5. Eggs

In addition to milk, eggs are also rich in vitamins, minerals and high quality proteins, so it has the same benefits as milk and its derivative.

• If you want to know more about their properties, read our article "20 foods very rich in protein".

6. Chocolate

Few foods are more delicious than chocolate. However, only the versions with a high cocoa content are healthy. Chocolate releases dopamine and therefore other neurochemicals related to pleasure such as endorphins, serotonin and serotonin.serotonin and phenylethylamine. Therefore, it is good for improving mood and according to some studies helps to relax. However, its consumption should be moderate.

7. Spinach

Since childhood we have always been told to eat spinach, especially for its iron and vitamin C content. But spinach is also rich in are also rich in folic acid, which seems to increase serotonin levels and, thanks to this and, thanks to this, improves mood.

8. Fish

Fish, mainly those rich in omega-3 fatty acids, should also be included in this list, as it seems that may be the key to alleviating depression and anxiety in a totally natural way.. Some fish rich in these healthy fats are: mackerel, sardines or salmon.

9. Pineapple

Pineapple is a versatile exotic fruit that can be added to salads and pizzas.. It seems to promote the production of serotonin, which helps to improve mood, calm and bring more vitality. It also seems to help you fall asleep.

10. Walnuts

Research suggests that walnuts may have mood-influencing properties.They are foods rich in vitamin B, protein and selenium. Selenium is a mineral that may positively influence mood, and studies suggest that diets rich in this mineral help with a clearer mind, greater self-confidence, less anxiety and less confusion.