Five Mood-Boosting Foods

By Maria Drohan, HBSW, AS Eng. (MSW Candidate)

​Are you feeling run down, irritable, or just a little blah? Don’t reach for a tub of ice cream or a big bag of chips. There’s growing evidence that you can boost your mood by simply incorporating select foods into your diet. Diet decisions that improve the rest of the body, also improve the brain’s mental health. Try adding these five mood-boosting foods to your everyday diet.

1.

Salmon - Salmon is a nutritional powerhouse full of omega-3 fatty acids, a key nutrient that our bodies don't produce on their own. Research has shown that consuming fish like salmon with omega-3 fatty acids can even help ease depression.  

2.

​Dark chocolate - Cocoa is known to significantly improve cognitive function in elderly people with mental impairment. It’s been shown to improve verbal fluency and several risk factors for disease, as well. Adding this antioxidant-rich superfood to your diet can aid in better physical and mental health. 

3.

​Berries - Fruits are all good for you as part of a balanced diet, but berries are particularly powerful for the brain. Berries are rich in flavonoid, which helps regulate mood, improve memory, and reduce inflammation. 

4.

Spinach and kale - Dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale are full of omega-3 fatty acids and are rich in magnesium, which plays a major role in brain function and mood. 

5.

Almonds- Almonds are a healthy fat, which boosts brain health. They are also rich in a compound called tyrosine, which has been found to prevent a decline in cognitive      function, especially in response to stress.