10 foods that improve mood

Psychology and Nutrition They are two disciplines that are related, and in recent years the Psychology of food 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, also to our general health.

In this article we will review the most important aspects of the Psychology of food 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 our emotions also influence the feeding. For example, when we are stressed we tend to eat worse, something that also happens when we are bored.

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

Studies also suggest that emotions are key when it comes to losing weight, because when we enjoy an emotional balance, it is easier for us to adhere to a diet and thus achieve our goals. According to an investigation by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, which involved 1,300 psychologists who answered questions In her work with clients experiencing weight loss problems, she concluded that emotions can get in the way of a weight loss plan. weight.

• If you want to know more about this topic, you can read our article: “Emotions are the main obstacle to losing weight”

What effect does emotional nutrition have on our body?

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

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

Emotional foods: what are they?

However, What foods influence our mood? A study from the University of Warwick and Dartmouth College attempted to provide scientific evidence on which foods have a greater influence on mood. The results conclude that they are the following.

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 the emotional state. And because? For vitamin C, which has turned out to be an excellent protector of endorphins, some hormones related to pleasure, euphoria and sexuality. Also, the potassium they contain seems to be key to regulating the nervous system.

2. cherries

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

3. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a protein-rich cereal that contains many antioxidants and vitamins and, thanks to this, has many benefits for both physical and emotional health. Regarding the latter, provides vitality, that is, it fights fatigue 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 its derivatives

Dairy products are a great source of vitamin A and B, and minerals, among which calcium and phosphorus stand out.. They are also rich in high-quality protein, 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 a positive mood.

5. Eggs

In addition to milk, eggs are also rich in vitamins, minerals and high-quality proteins, so they have the same benefits as milk and its derivatives.

• If you want to know more about its properties, in our article “20 foods very rich in protein”

6. Chocolate

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

7. Spinach

Since we were little we have always been told to consume spinach, especially for its iron and vitamin C content. But spinach too are rich in folic acid, which appears to increase serotonin levels and, thanks to this, it 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 relieving 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 very versatile exotic fruit that can be added to salads and pizzas. It seems to promote the production of serotonin, which helps improve mood, calm and provide more vitality. It also seems to help you fall asleep.

10. Walnuts

Research Suggests Walnuts May Have Mood-Influencing Properties, because without 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 to have a clearer mind, greater self-confidence, less anxiety and less confusion.