Boost your mood with nutritious superfoods

It’s a well-known fact that a healthy balanced diet enhances well-being – providing the body with essential vitamins and minerals that keep our physical and mental abilities in good health.

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There are however key ‘superfoods’ that are thought to make a huge difference to our mood as well as our health. These not only provide an essential boost to energise our minds, but can help to improve our resilience to stress and anxiety.

Take a look at the list of eight delicious foods below that you should consider adding to your diet today:

1. Watermelon

Watermelon is a refreshing fruit that is bursting with key vitamins and minerals. For years it has been linked to lifting depression and balancing hormones, and its rich water content and natural electrolytes rehydrate and reduce irritability.

2. Turkey 

Turkey is one of the best mood-boosting foods as it contains high levels of the amino acid, tryptophan. This stimulates the production of serotonin (a feel-good hormone). Turkey also features the chemical element selenium, which is thought to help prevent anxiety and depression.

3. Eggs 

Rich in healthy proteins – which help to balance your blood sugar and stabilise your appetite – eggs are a great choice for making you feel more content (not to mention fuller for longer). They also contain a variety of amino acids, which can lift your mood, help you to feel less stressed, and allow you to fall asleep more easily.

4. Ginger

Ginger has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine to help treat emotional problems and low mood. Research has also shown that it has a calming effect and can help to relieve aches and pains that may be contributing to bad moods.

5. Natural yoghurt

This creamy delight is packed with calcium which is thought to aid restful sleep, and has been linked to lowering stress hormones found in the blood. A recent study also showed that the probiotics found in live yogurt may alter brain chemistry, helping to treat stress and low mood.

6. Strawberries

Berries are known to be rich in antioxidants which can boost energy levels and help protect the body from stress. Strawberries though also contain manganese and B vitamins, which can help balance mood and provide a natural source of energy.

7. Dark chocolate 

OK so it’s not as creamy as milk chocolate, but dark chocolate is far more valuable to our health and mood as it is choc-full of flavonoids. These have been shown to reduce stress hormones in the bloodstream.

8. Bananas

Although high in sugar, bananas are very nutritious and one of the best fruits for boosting energy levels. They are packed with potassium, which helps to nourish the nervous system, boost alertness and concentration, while also lifting your mood.

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Written by Tamara Marshall
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Written by Tamara Marshall
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