Mood-boosting foods are often sought out when someone is in a bad mood, such as when experiencing rejection or fatigue due to a heavy workload. Especially for women, when their periods are frequent, their moods can fluctuate drastically, right?
At times like these, most people believe that eating their favorite foods will improve their mood.
To avoid disruptions to activities and maintain enthusiasm, let's explore which foods can help boost your mood.
Various Mood-Enhancing Foods
When a bad mood strikes, your work performance and emotions can naturally suffer. You might even feel reluctant to take any action.
Therefore, several mood-boosting foods are available to help lift your mood and restore your motivation.
Here is a list of foods that can improve your mood.
1. Dark Chocolate
It is common knowledge that dark chocolate is a powerful mood-boosting food for most people.
A study from the Australian Academy of Science states that chocolate contains several components, such as theobromine, anandamide, phenylethylamine, and glucose. Additionally, cocoa contains polyphenols, which help reduce symptoms of depression and contribute to its antioxidant potential.
All of these compounds work in sequence, like caffeine, relieving anxiety, creating a feeling of falling in love, and triggering joy.
It is no wonder dark chocolate is often called the "love drug," "happiness drug," or "pleasure drug."
2. Yogurt
Fermented foods, such as yogurt, tofu, and tempeh, are beneficial for the stomach and mood.
According to Healthline, during the fermentation process, probiotics are formed, which help maintain good bacteria in the stomach and increase serotonin levels.
Serotonin levels in the body influence various aspects of human behavior, including mood, stress response, appetite, and sex drive.
3. Avocado
Like yogurt, avocados are believed to be mood-boosting foods when you are feeling down because they contain vitamin B6 and folic acid, which can stimulate serotonin production in the brain.
With serotonin, avocados indirectly help you have more stamina and avoid feeling tired easily.
4. Bananas
Bananas are a mood-boosting food because they contain vitamin B6, which helps increase the production of dopamine and serotonin.
This fruit, which can aid digestion, has a low sugar content, at around 16 grams.
The fiber and sugar in bananas release glucose into the bloodstream slowly. Furthermore, stable blood sugar levels are known to improve mood control.
5. Oatmeal
Another mood-boosting food comes from oatmeal. Oatmeal is a whole grain that keeps you energized every morning.
Besides being a high source of fiber, oatmeal can improve mood and increase stamina.
This is closely related to maintaining stable blood sugar levels, which in turn affect mood and irritability.
You can consume oats in various forms, such as overnight oats, oatmeal, and granola.
6. Salmon
Salmon is recognized as a rich source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining healthy body functions, particularly in enhancing cognitive abilities.
According to Healthline, salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, specifically docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which can help reduce the risk of depression.
7. Eggs
Chicken eggs are a good source of high protein to help regenerate body cells.
Furthermore, eggs contain other essential nutrients, such as minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants, that play a crucial role in reducing the risk of stress.
With the nutrient choline, eggs are considered one of the most affordable and readily available mood-boosting foods.
8. Ice Cream
In reasonable portions, ice cream can be a powerful mood-boosting food.
According to grahamsfamilydiary, ice cream contains protein and fat, which can improve mood.
Furthermore, the amino acid tryptophan can stimulate the brain to produce more serotonin. This can make you feel calmer and happier.
9. Strawberries
The antioxidant content in strawberries makes them a healthy mood-boosting food.
Although their exact mechanism is still debated, antioxidants are believed to help address various issues related to symptoms of depression and mood disorders.
10. Coconut
In addition to its electrolyte and antioxidant content, coconut water, especially young coconut water, can be a mood-boosting food.
According to research conducted by the National Library of Medicine, young coconut is believed to produce an antidepressant effect that helps stabilize mood.
11. Nuts
In addition to being a popular snack between meals, nuts offer numerous benefits for the body.
Nuts, such as edamame and cashews, contain zinc, which helps manage anxiety.
Furthermore, nuts can improve mood, reduce anxiety levels, and aid concentration during activities.
Those were various mood-enhancing foods that are believed to improve one's mood.
The foods above can indeed be used as mood boosters, but you still need to balance them with regular exercise, positive thinking, and various productive activities.
Furthermore, be sure to maintain your body's fluid intake by drinking plenty of water. In this regard, ensure that the water you consume is of good quality and, of course, healthy mineral water. Therefore, choose #AQUADULU.
Please note that not all water is AQUA. AQUA contains natural minerals sourced from 19 selected mountains in Indonesia, making it safe and free from contamination due to its protective layer.
Furthermore, AQUA also tastes naturally cool and refreshing enough to drink without refrigeration.
So, let's help fulfill your daily fluid intake and maintain your mood by drinking AQUA DULU!
Created by nature, 100% PURE mountain mineral water with no additives, just as nature intended you to drink it.
