6 Types of Foods That Make the Mood So Happy, What Are?

KOMPAS.com – Apart from exercising or spending time with pets, what we eat can have a big impact on mood.

Even though there’s no one food or a cure-all drink, but there are some intakes that have been scientifically proven to give people a boost of happiness.

Some of these intakes are also known to contain compounds that stimulate the production of certain feel-good hormones, which can also block compounds that might make you feel bad.

Also read: Eating Salmon Lowers the Risk of Atherosclerosis, What is it?

In addition, many of these intake lists are considered to have a myriad of benefits healthwhich not only enhances a good mood.

NahTo find out more about what intakes can improve mood, see the following list.

Fatty fish like salmon and tuna is packed with omega-3 fatty acids that are good for the heart and mind.

“The abundance of omega-3 fatty acids in salmon and tuna may contribute to improving mood and reducing depression through the impact of omega-3 fats as anti-inflammatory signaling molecules.”

That’s the explanation of the Stanford graduate doctor and associate editor of International Journal of Disease Reversal and PreventionDr Casey Means.

“It’s also important to remember that 60 percent of brain tissue is made of fat, so the choices of fat we include in our diets have a huge impact on the structure and function of our brains.”

There are also two specific types of omega-3s — acids docosahexaenoic (DHA) and acid eicosapentaenoic (EPA) — has been associated with lower rates of depression.

Also read: Tuna or Salmon, Which is Healthier?

According to a 2016 review of scientific data, DHA and EPA help modulate brain cell signaling mechanisms, including dopaminergic, and serotonergic pathways.

In other words, both can improve mood.

However, if you are not a fan of salmon or tuna, get omega-3 fatty acids from other foods such as flaxseed or tofu.

Eat a stick dark chocolate can actually help improve mood.

Means says research shows dark chocolate consumption has been linked to a lower likelihood of clinical depressive symptoms.

Individuals who consumed the highest amount of dark chocolate had a 57 percent lower chance of depressive symptoms than those who did not consume dark chocolate.

“This may be related to a chemical in dark chocolate called Cocoa polyphenols as a powerful antioxidant that can improve the inflammation profile,” he said.

“There are also psychoactive ingredients in chocolate that can produce positive feelings,” he continued.

But when it comes to mood-boosting chocolate, Means points out that the cocoa content is key.

Also read: Dark chocolate is good for the heart, as long as…

“So it is ideal to get dark chocolate because it contains the least amount of sugar and has the most cocoa mass,” he said.

3. Food fermented

In addition to supporting good gut health, food fermentation such as sauerkraut, yogurt, and kimchi can also have a positive impact on mood.

These foods contain probiotics which according to many studies can increase serotonin levels.

This is very important because serotonin — sometimes called the hormone happy — responsible for lifting the mood.

“The positive impact of fermented foods on mood may be related to the close relationship between gut function and brain health,” Means said.

“One study showed that individuals with the highest dietary intake of probiotics had a significantly lower likelihood of depression severity and reported clinical depression. This effect was stronger in men,” he continued.

Also read: Sources of Probiotics Not Only in Fermented Food

He also added that there are several proposed mechanisms as to why this might be, including the impact of fermented foods on blood sugar control and metabolic health that affects mood and the brain.

In addition, the fortified chemicals in fermented foods such as flavonoid can also positively impact the microbiome to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can negatively impact the brain.

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