As my food consciousness increases, I find myself continually reminded of the profound effect that the food I eat can play in affecting my emotions. As many health experts and dieticians have noted throughout the years, there is an abundance of research indicating that food has the power to positively impact our moods. In recognizing this fact, it would be advantageous for individuals seeking to lead a more productive and positive life to tap into this power. Here are three mood-boosting foods you should try:
1. Pumpkin Seeds.
In discussing how food affects mood, M.D. Alexander Mauskop points out that about 50% of people who suffer from headaches are deficient in magnesium. This nutrient is important because it relaxes the blood vessels of our brains, thereby alleviating and/or preventing headaches. Because magnesium is found in pumpkin seeds, individuals attempting to avoid the bad moods that result from the onset of a headache should add this food to their diets. (Also note that potatoes and spinach contain magnesium, too.)
2. Pistachios.
Pistachios are a wonderful food as a result of the health benefits they provide us through their water, protein, and fiber content. Additionally, pistachios contain oleic acid, a component that may generate feelings of satiety after eating. The benefits of pistachio consumption do not stop there. In a study which appeared in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers found that women who consumed nuts twice or more each week were less likely to gain pounds than those who didn’t. Thus whether you’re attempting to feel full after you eat or keep the weight down, pistachios can contribute to an elevated mood by preventing the negative emotions that result from prolonged hunger as well as the mood swings engendered by weight fluctuation.
3. Green Tea.
As many health experts know, green tea helps generate feelings of calm which can help prevent mood swings marked by irritation and anger. Green tea’s efficacy in keeping you calm results from the fact that it contains theanine, an element which generates feelings of calmness in addition to helping you focus and maintain clear concentration. And although green tea contains a little bit of caffeine, the generally modest amount won’t precipitate an angry rage.
Conclusion
If you are in search of mechanisms through which to keep yourself in a positive, elevated mood, you should consider the role that food can play in generating this effect. Given that the foods listed above can have a positive effect on your mood, you may want to consider implementing them into your diet. Good luck!
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