Six Foods To Eat For A Mood Boost

Evidence shows that the Mediterranean diet can help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes. It is also associated with improved mood and a reduced risk of depression and cognitive decline.

The eating plan emphasises vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, wholegrains, olive oil and lean protein.

An offshoot is the Mind Diet (Mediterranean-Dash Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay), based on the same foods but adds berries, leafy greens and nuts. Researchers found it improved cognitive ability and lowered their risk of Alzheimer’s. Foods to consider :

Salmon

People who eat omega-3-rich fish tend to have a lower risk of depression.

Probiotics

People who take probiotics have a more positive outlook than people not taking them.

Leafy greens

Spinach, chard and other dark leafy greens contain magnesium, which can boost your mood. Add magnesium-rich pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts, chickpeas and beans to your meals.

Blueberries

Blueberries help activate brain pathways associated with better cognition and less cellular ageing, and they are associated with having a more positive mood.

Oysters

They are high in zinc. Being deficient in zinc is linked to depression. Other good sources include crab, beef, beans, chickpeas and cashews.

Chocolate

Cocoa can shake off bad moods and in fact put people in a happy mood.