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1. Salmon
Mix up some fresh salmon salad for lunch or bake it up with a side of veggies for dinner. This mood-boosting food is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health. Your brain is 60% fat, and if it doesn’t get the nutrients it needs, your brain can’t function properly. This can result in anxiety and a depressed mood, and nobody wants that! The next time you’re at the grocery store, be sure to pick up this nutrient-packed fish! Your brain will thank you!
2. Dark Chocolate
It’s no secret that chocolate makes people happy, but why is that? For starters, chocolate contains a fatty substance called anandamide, which is naturally made in the brain. Anandamide produces feelings of happiness and peacefulness. Chocolate is also full of phenethylamine, which releases endorphins. The combination of these nutrients and chemical releases result in an overall better mood, so adding chocolate to a balanced diet just makes sense. Just be sure to stick to a higher cocoa content to reap all of chocolate’s benefits!
3. Oranges
Most of us know that oranges are loaded with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is one of the critical nutrients that allow your brain to make dopamine and serotonin. These compounds can prevent depression and aid mood stability. This power fruit also contains folate, which helps regulate serotonin in your brain. Whether you enjoy fresh-squeezed orange juice or peeling an orange and eating it as is, don’t forget to keep this fruit stocked to keep your mood at an all-time high!
4. Leafy Greens
Another versatile mood-boosting food is lettuce! Leafy greens are a great way to improve your overall brain health and mood. They are packed with magnesium, which can reduce depression and anxiety. This veggie, like oranges, is also loaded with folate! Opt for dark leafy greens like spinach or kale to get the most from this happy-making health food.
5. Almonds
Almonds, like some of the other foods on the list, contain high amounts of magnesium. Almonds also contain vitamin B12, which can help form anti-stress hormones. Zinc is yet another nutrient this nut is rich in. Zinc contributes to how your body responds to stress. Packed with so many mood-boosting nutrients, almonds should definitely be a part of your quarantine diet!
It’s totally normal to feel down when you’ve been isolated from friends and coworkers for months.
Luckily there are plenty of foods you can eat that can help improve your mood! Incorporating these superfoods into a balanced diet can boost serotonin levels, aid in the release of endorphins, and contribute to overall brain health!
The next time you’re feeling down, grab a handful of almonds or mix up a leafy green salad with your favorite dressing. Before you know it, your quarantine blues will be a thing of the past!
