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The Passport Kitchen

15 Foods That Boost Your Mood Instantly

August 17, 2024 by Donna Dizon Leave a Comment

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Feeling down? Your diet can play a significant role in lifting your spirits. Certain foods contain nutrients that can instantly enhance mood and promote overall well-being.

Incorporating these 15 mood-boosting foods into your meals can provide you with immediate relief and a boost in mood, helping you feel happier and more energized throughout the day.

Fatty Fish

Fresh raw salmon fish steaks on white kitchen background.
Image Credit: Sea Wave/Shutterstock.

Fatty fish like salmon, trout, and sardines are a quick fix for a bad mood. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, they are essential for brain health and can instantly regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin, a feel-good chemical that can improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety.

Dark Chocolate

Broken dark chocolate bar and cocoa powder on a brown table. Copy space.
Image Credit: Igor Normann/Shutterstock.

Dark chocolate is not only indulgent but also beneficial for mood enhancement. It contains flavonoids that can increase blood flow to the brain, improving cognitive function and boosting mood. Plus, it stimulates the production of endorphins, natural mood lifters.

Green Tea

Mint tea. Flat lay, top view teapot and tea cup with mint leaves on green background..
Image Credit:Savanevich Viktar/Shutterstock.

Green tea contains antioxidants and an amino acid called L-theanine, which can promote relaxation and reduce stress. It provides a gentle energy boost without coffee’s jittery effects.

Flaxseed

Female hands with bowl of flax seed on color wooden background.
Image Credit:Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock.

Flaxseeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. Omega-3s support brain health, while fiber helps stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing mood swings and promoting a steady energy supply.

Edamame

An image of edamame and sake.
Image Credit: sky-and-sun/Shutterstock.

Edamame, or young soybeans, are rich in folate and are crucial in regulating mood. Folate deficiency has been linked to depression and low energy levels, so including edamame in your diet can help maintain emotional well-being.

Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts in a white bowl on linen fabric. Dried seeds of Bertholletia excelsa without shells. Brazil nuts are notable for diverse content of micronutrients, especially a high amount of selenium.
Image Credit: Peter Hermes Furian/Shutterstock.

Brazil nuts are one of the richest sources of selenium, a mineral that acts as an antioxidant in the body. Selenium can help improve mood by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress associated with mood disorders.

Coffee

Cup with coffee, costing on coffee grain.
Image Credit: allstars/Shutterstock.

Coffee is well-known for its ability to increase alertness and improve mood. The caffeine in coffee stimulates the central nervous system, leading to enhanced focus, elevated mood, and a temporary reduction in feelings of fatigue.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds close-up with a wooden spoon. Chia seeds macro. Dry healthy supplement for proper nutrition.
Image Credit: Vera Larina/Shutterstock.

Chia seeds are packed with nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. Omega-3s support brain health, while fiber promotes stable blood sugar levels and sustained energy throughout the day, helping to stabilize mood.

Berries

berries mix on an abstract gray background, seen from above.
Image Credit: Erich Sacco/Shutterstock.

Berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. Antioxidants protect the brain from oxidative stress. Vitamin C supports the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine, which regulates mood and pleasure.

Mushrooms

Assortment of various raw mushrooms on gray concrete background.
Image Credit: Olena Rudo/Shutterstock.

Mushrooms contain compounds that can enhance mood and reduce symptoms of depression. They are a natural source of vitamin D, which plays a role in serotonin production and helps regulate mood.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potato on Wooden background.
Image Credit: KarepaStock/Shutterstock.

Sweet potatoes are rich in complex carbohydrates, which can increase serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin promotes feelings of relaxation and happiness, making sweet potatoes a comforting and mood-boosting food choice.

Honey

A cup with natural honey, honey in combs against the background of acacia flowers on a wooden table. The concept of wild bees honey and healthy sweets.
Image Credit:PromKaz/Shutterstock.

Honey contains natural sugars like glucose and fructose, which can provide a quick energy boost. It also contains antioxidants that support overall health and well-being, contributing to improved mood and vitality.

Water

Bottled Water.
Image Credit: Oporty786/Shutterstock.

Proper hydration is essential for overall health and can significantly impact mood and energy levels. Dehydration can lead to feelings of fatigue and irritability, so staying hydrated throughout the day is crucial for maintaining a positive mood.

Citrus Fruits

Different citrus fruits with leaves as background, top view.
Image Credit: New Africa/Shutterstock.

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are packed with vitamin C, which has been linked to improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports brain health and enhances overall well-being.

Kimchi

Eating kimchi cabbage in a bowl with chopsticks, Korean food.
Image Credit:Nungning20/Shutterstock.

Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish from fermented vegetables like cabbage and radishes. Fermented foods like kimchi contain probiotics, which promote gut health and may positively impact mood by supporting the gut-brain axis.

20 Food to Stockpile (For the Best Chance of Survival)

Alarmed female wears medical mask against coronavirus while grocery shopping in supermarket or store.
Image Credit: Elizaveta Galitckaia/Shutterstock.

A well-stocked pantry can provide peace of mind and empower you to handle any situation. Whether it’s a natural disaster, economic instability, or simply unexpected guests, having a stash of versatile essential foods can make all the difference.

Here’s a list of 20 of the best foods to stockpile, ensuring you’re ready for whatever comes your way.

20 Food to Stockpile (For the Best Chance of Survival)

12 Everyday Foods Some People Just Can’t Stand

A girl sniffs a spoiled burger. Fast food diet and food poisoning concept.
Image Credit: frantic00/Shutterstock.

When it comes to their foods, some people are just picky eaters. It’s surprising how certain popular foods can be so divisive. While many people love them, others can’t stand the taste, texture, or even the idea of eating them. Here are some surprising foods that some people just can’t stand.

12 Everyday Foods Some People Just Can’t Stand 

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