Sometimes we are in an uncontrollable terrible mood that we wish can control. Do you know? You can control this by having these 11 mood-boosting foods which you need to have in your kitchen. 

1. Dark chocolate

Two squares (not a whole bar) of dark chocolate can cause the brain to release endorphins and boost serotonin levels which can reduce stress and anxiety. 

2. Spinach

Eating vitamin B rich foods such as spinach or broccoli contains folate, vitamins B3, B6 and B12 which will overcome vitamin B deficiencies (leads to depression). 

3. Oats

Oats are low in the glycaemic index (GI) and mineral selenium which is an effective mood booster as they slowly release energy into the bloodstream, which keeps blood sugar and mood stable. 

4. Cereal

A cup of cereal contains calcium which can reduce stress and anxiety. You can also have prawns, sardines, and tofu.

5. Lentils

Lentils help in increasing serotonin production in the brain. This will make you feel more calm, happy, and less anxiety. It stabilizes blood sugar levels. Lentils are rich in folate which reduces depression and mania. Lentils are also rich in iron. 

6. Bananas

Bananas contain amino acid “tryptophan” and vitamins A, B6 and C, fiber, carbohydrate, potassium, iron, and phosphorous. These carbohydrates help in absorbing “tryptophan” in the brain, whereas vitamin B6 helps converts “tryptophan” into the mood-boosting hormone serotonin and also helps sleep. Therefore, it treats insomnia, depression, and anxiety.

7. Chicken and turkey

Chicken and turkey breast contains amino acid “tryptophan”, which is used by our body to make serotonin which helps improve mood and regulate sleep, reduces depression. You can also have chicken soup.

8. Water

When we’re dehydrated, it affects our ability to concentrate.

Drink up to a 7-8 glass of water every day. 

9. Brazil nuts

Brazil nuts are rich in selenium minerals which can boost your mood. According to research, people having a low amount of selenium in their body, have high rates of depression, irritability, stress, anxiety, and tiredness. You can eat three Brazil nuts to avoid this. 

10. Oysters

Oysters are high in zinc, which is essential for energy production and keeping the brain healthy. Plus deficiency of zinc can cause depression. Oysters also contain amino acid tyrosine which the brain uses to produce the chemicals that can boost mental function and improve your mood. You can eat three oysters at a time. 

11. Oily fish

Oily fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and people who are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids might be more liable to depression and bad mood since these fats make up a large percentage (about 30%) of our brain tissue. 

You can also eat salmon, sardines and regularly (140g per week) to keep your brain healthy and improve your mood. This also helps in keeping brain cells flexible, so the neurotransmitters will work more effectively.

3 foods that will put you in a good mood but soon it will lead to a bad mood

1. Caffeine

At first, you might feel better, but after some time it can cause dehydration, headache, and irritation.

2. Sugar

It will give you a sudden energy spike. But, it will increase your hunger.