For the most part, people have been taught to believe that “comfort” foods are not good for the body and must be avoided. However, if your comfort food is candy or junk food this is true. Other times, comfort foods can be very nutritious and good for us to eat. There are some foods that actually can raise your moods when you eat them. If you are feeling a little bit down and you need a happiness pick me up, try a couple of these mood boosting foods.

Mood Boosting Foods #1 – Eggs

Eggs, would you believe, are fantastic mood boosting foods and for fighting depression. You must be sure, however, that what you make includes the egg yolk. When it comes to helping elevate your mood, the egg yolk is the most essential part of the egg . Eggs, the egg yolks in particular, are loaded with B vitamins. B vitamins can truly help you raise your mood. This is because they help improve the function of your neural transmitters, which are the parts of your brain that dictate your mood. Try to eat an egg and feel a lot better!

Mood Boosting Foods #2 – Seeds & Nuts

Another great mood boosting foods are seeds and nuts.  Your mood can be elevated by eating a good mix of pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, peanuts,  cashew nuts,  etc. This is because seeds and nuts have a lot of magnesium which increases your brain’s serotonin levels. Serotonin is a feel-good substance that directs the brain how to feel at any given point in time. The more serotonin you have, the happier you will feel. Not only that but nuts, specifically, are a fantastic protein food source.

Mood Boosting Foods #3 – Cold Water Fish

If you wish to defeat depression, try consuming some cold water fish. Cold water fish including tuna, trout and wild salmon are rich in DHA and omega-3 fats. These are two substances that boost the quality and function of the gray matter in your brain. This makes tuna and other cold water fish some of the best foods that boost your mood. So it’s the truth: consuming tuna fish sandwiches can really help you battle your depression.

Mood Boosting Foods #4 – Quinoa, Barley, Teff, Millet

Some grains are really excellent for repelling bad moods. Quinoa, barley, teff, millet, etc are all great for helping you feel happier. These grains can help you feel full for longer also, which can help your mood too. Feeling famished can truly bring you down! The reason these grains are so good for your mood is that they are easy to digest. In fact, they are easier to digest than other foods. This helps kick up your blood sugar levels and, in turn, lifts your mood.

Mood Boosting Foods #5 – Green Tea

The last mood boosting food we’re going to look at is actually not food but a drink: green tea. Green tea is really great for your mood. It is rich in an amino acid referred to as L-theanine. Research has proven that this amino acid induces the production of brain waves. This will better your brain’s concentration while simultaneously relaxing the rest of your body. Most probably you already know that green tea could help you feel healthier. Now you are aware that green tea can help elevate your moods too!

Now you can see that junk food isn’t necessarily what you should eat when you wish to help your moods get better. Try some of  these suggested mood boost foods instead. I’m sure you’ll see a huge difference.