Eight Mood-Boosting Foods: An Unexpected List

For improving mood, sufficient sleep and regular physical activity are important, however, nutrition also plays a significant role in mental well-being.

As TUT.AZ reports with reference to verywellhealth.com, we present to your attention 8 foods that can significantly boost mood and improve emotional state.

1. Trout

Scientists have proven: nutrients contained in fatty fish effectively support a positive emotional background and can substantially alleviate symptoms of depression. Research confirms that systematic consumption of fish significantly reduces anxiety levels and helps combat stress.

2. Chocolate

Scientific research convincingly shows that products with high cocoa content instantly improve mood. Dark chocolate actively stimulates the production of endorphins, giving a feeling of happiness, and also beneficially affects levels of dopamine and serotonin — key neurotransmitters responsible for emotional state.
It's important to note that chocolate is an excellent natural source of magnesium — a mineral critically important for mood stabilization.

3. Fermented foods

Kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt, and other fermented products enrich the body with beneficial probiotics, which not only support gut health and strengthen immunity but also have a positive effect on psycho-emotional state. Certain types of live probiotics directly participate in the synthesis and absorption of serotonin — a substance known as the "happiness hormone".

4. Egg yolks

Vitamin D deficiency is closely associated with mood deterioration and increased risk of PMS, seasonal affective disorder, and depressive states. Egg yolks serve as an excellent natural source of this vitamin, although it can also be obtained from other products — for example, salmon or milk.

5. Nuts

The results of a large-scale study involving more than 15,000 people observed over 10 years are impressive: regular moderate consumption of nuts reduces the probability of developing depression by a whole 23%.

6. Chicken

Lean chicken meat saturates the body with vitamins B6 and B12, which play an important role in maintaining emotional balance. Vitamin B6 directly participates in the production of serotonin, and vitamin B12 — dopamine.
In addition, chicken is rich in tryptophan — an essential amino acid, the deficiency of which can provoke depressive states. Replenishing tryptophan reserves is especially important for people predisposed to depression.

7. Oysters

Oysters are exceptionally rich in omega-3 DHA and zinc — components capable of noticeably improving emotional state. Zinc deficiency is often associated with increased anxiety and depression, and replenishing its reserves effectively helps improve mood in many cases.

8. Saffron

Saffron is deservedly famous for its pronounced antidepressant properties: numerous studies confirm that its effectiveness significantly exceeds placebo and in some cases may be comparable to the action of certain pharmacological antidepressants.