The food we eat is inextricably linked to our mood, anxious thoughts and behaviours.
Eating a diet rich in whole foods is a good place to start when it comes to nurturing your whole-body health – after all, healthy body = healthy mind, right?
By incorporating these six mood-boosting foods into your wholefood diet, you’ll be supporting your body and your mind with the nutrients you need to build a solid foundation for mental wellness, says Ben Warren, leading clinical nutritionist and clinical director of scientific, holistic health company BePure.
Scroll to find out the best mood-boosting foods:
Oily fish
Seeing as our brains are made up of 60 percent fat, it makes sense that consuming good fats – particularly anti-inflammatory omega 3s found in oily fish such as salmon and sardines – is essential for brain health.
Oysters
They’re rich in zinc, a vital mineral involved in more than 200 enzymatic reactions within our bodies, which impacts how we think and feel every day.
Brazil nuts
These are packed with selenium, which is an essential trace element. It is critical for the brain and for cognitive function.
Walnuts
Have you noticed how walnuts resemble a human brain? It’s fitting then that they’re loaded with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids that promote a healthy mood. Walnuts are a great snack to top up your omega-3 levels.
Eggs
Every type of tissue in the human body has vitamin-D receptors, making it essential for how we feel on a daily basis. Eggs are a great source of vitamin D, as is safe sun exposure.
Cacao
The purest form of chocolate, cacao is an incredibly rich source of magnesium and is a natural antioxidant – both are key players in supporting mood.
