What food can I eat to naturally boost my mood and reduce stress levels?

Luckily, we can boost our mood and reduce stress levels naturally.

Bananas:

Bananas contain the amino acid tryptophan as well as vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 helps convert the tryptophan into the neurotransmitter serotonin which improves mood.

Dark Chocolate:

Dark chocolate contains higher amounts of cacao which contain an essential amino acid known as tryptophan.  Your brain uses this to produce serotonin, which can increase feelings of overall happiness. It is also high in antioxidants, iron & magnesium which lower levels of stress.

Brazil Nuts:

Brazil nuts are high in selenium. Diets low in dietary or supplementary selenium have been linked with worsened mood and those high in dietary or supplementary selenium have improved overall mood and have lowered anxiety.

Berries:

Berries are packed with vitamin C which aids tryptophan to convert into the mood-boosting neurotransmitter serotonin. Blueberries contain flavonoids, which is associated with reduced risk of depression.

Leafy Greens:

Vitamin B such as folate, vitamin B3, B6 and B12 boost the production of neurotransmitters. Deficiencies have been linked with depression. B vitamins boost Foods high in B vitamins include: spinach, edamame & broccoli.

Avocados:

Avocados are high in folate, which has been linked with lowering anxiety levels. They are also high in omega-3 and magnesium which have shown to reduce levels of stress.