5 Ways To Boost Your Mood With Food

5 Ways To Boost Your Mood With Food


November 18, 2020 | Eul Basa

5 Ways To Boost Your Mood With Food


Feeling sad and low? Maybe a snack is just the pick-me-up you need. The problem is, we often gravitate towards the sugary and salty treats when we want to lift our spirits—they sometimes work, but more often than not, they just make us feel even worse. On top of already dealing with emotional discomfort, you would then have to deal with the physical discomfort that results from consuming all those junk foods. That said, there are healthy ways to boost your mood with food. Here's what you should actually  be looking for:

Cheerful woman enjoying breakfast in morning · Free Stock PhotoPexels

#1 Omega-3 fatty acids

More studies are showing the possible benefits of foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids to mental health. In fact, there's some evidence to suggest that not getting enough omega-3 fatty acids could actually be related to various mental health problems. A study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health actually found that individuals who consumed the most omega-3 fatty acids were less likely to develop symptoms of depression. The moral of the story? Eat your fish: salmon, sardines, anchovies, mackerel, etc. Walnuts, flax, and chia seeds work as well.

Salmon Dish Food - Free photo on PixabayPixabay

Advertisement

#2 Probiotics

Probiotics help with digestive health, which is important considering the close link between gut bacteria and brain function. Research suggests that the bacteria in our gut sends and receives signals to the brain, and such signals can be affected by the foods we consume. There is evidence of probiotics having a positive effect on these gut-brain communications, leading to reduced depression and better overall mental health. Some good probiotics to consider include yogurt, buttermilk, sauerkraut, Korean kimchi, and miso soup.

Healthy fruit bowl with yogurt, seeds, and dried berries | FlickrFlickr

Advertisement

#3 Whole grains

White bread and cereals may be tempting, but you'll do a lot more for your mood if you reach for the whole grain options. Whole grains are widely known to be a good source of B vitamins, which play a significant role in brain health. Thiamin (vitamin B1), for example, converts glucose into energy, while pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is a key component of the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory and learning. Grab a bowl of oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice, amaranth, or millet to get your serving of those vital B vitamins.

Quinoa with Roasted Vegetables | ✅ Marco Verch is a Professi ...Flickr

Advertisement

#4 Leafy greens

Your mother had a good reason to get you to eat your leafy greens. Such vegetables are high in folate, a form of vitamin B that emerging research says is linked to depression. Low levels of folate in the blood can lead to higher incidences of depression, and it can also affect the metabolism of important mood neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline. The more leafy greens and fruits you eat, the most folate you can get into your blood, and the better your mood will be. Add spinach, edamame, artichoke, okra, lentils, avocado, and broccoli to your meals.

Spinach, chicken & pomegranate saladPexels

Advertisement

#5 Caffeine

Who says you can't enjoy coffee? Of course, like anything else, it should be enjoyed in moderation, but recent studies show that caffeine helps to release "feel good" hormones from the brain, including dopamine. Some studies suggest that 400 mL of coffee, or 1 and 2/3 cups a day, has the greatest effect on mood. That said, caffeine can affect individuals in different ways, so such is merely a guideline. If coffee proves to be too much for your body to handle, try alternative sources of caffeine such as chai tea or black teas.

A Cup of fresh coffee with coffee beans on the table (Flip… | FlickrFlickr

Advertisement

Source


READ MORE

Intro

The Many Homes And Palaces Of The British Royal Family

Over centuries, the royal family settled into dozens of homes. Grand halls, quiet lodges, city corners. Some of these residences still hold royal footsteps. Others don’t. But each one left its mark.
June 28, 2025 Miles Brucker
Intro

George Kamel Says Frugal People Don't Buy These Everyday Items Anymore

George Kamel, a prominent voice in personal finance, recently spotlighted a revealing trend among penny-wise Americans. Everyday purchases—some long considered non-negotiable—are being reconsidered and even abandoned.
July 2, 2025 Miles Brucker

I just sent my kid off to college last week and want to make serious financial changes around the home. Where do I start?

Sending your kids off to college should be a joyous occasion for all! Not only will they be pursuing, but you'll have more money to pursue yours. Here are some financial changes you might want to make once you have an empty nest.
July 1, 2025 Jack Hawkins

My roommate won $100K on a scratch ticket, then moved out without paying last month’s rent. Do I have any legal way to get my money back?

It's understandable to be frustrated, even furious, when a roommate disappears without paying their share of the rent. We look at what options you still have left.
June 27, 2025 Miles Brucker

My aunt promised to include me in her will if I paid her back taxes. I did, and now she’s left everything to her cat. What now?

If a relative promised to include you in a will in return for your financial help, only to leave everything to their pet, there are legal and practical steps you can take to address the situation.
June 25, 2025 Marlon Wright
Deserted Riches: Where Opulence Turned to Dust

Once-Wealthy Places The World Abandoned And Now Lie Eerily Forgotten

Prosperity once poured through these streets with the sounds of ambition and promise. Today, they stand hollow—buried under sand, water, war, or time itself.
June 26, 2025 Marlon Wright


Disclaimer

The information on MoneyMade.com is intended to support financial literacy and should not be considered tax or legal advice. It is not meant to serve as a forecast, research report, or investment recommendation, nor should it be taken as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or adopt any particular investment strategy. All financial, tax, and legal decisions should be made with the help of a qualified professional. We do not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, or outcomes associated with the use of this content.





Dear reader,


It’s true what they say: money makes the world go round. In order to succeed in this life, you need to have a good grasp of key financial concepts. That’s where Moneymade comes in. Our mission is to provide you with the best financial advice and information to help you navigate this ever-changing world. Sometimes, generating wealth just requires common sense. Don’t max out your credit card if you can’t afford the interest payments. Don’t overspend on Christmas shopping. When ordering gifts on Amazon, make sure you factor in taxes and shipping costs. If you need a new car, consider a model that’s easy to repair instead of an expensive BMW or Mercedes. Sometimes you dream vacation to Hawaii or the Bahamas just isn’t in the budget, but there may be more affordable all-inclusive hotels if you know where to look.


Looking for a new home? Make sure you get a mortgage rate that works for you. That means understanding the difference between fixed and variable interest rates. Whether you’re looking to learn how to make money, save money, or invest your money, our well-researched and insightful content will set you on the path to financial success. Passionate about mortgage rates, real estate, investing, saving, or anything money-related? Looking to learn how to generate wealth? Improve your life today with Moneymade. If you have any feedback for the MoneyMade team, please reach out to [email protected]. Thanks for your help!


Warmest regards,

The Moneymade team