31 Delicious Superfoods That Will Boost Your Mood, According to a Nutritionist
These healthy foods are a recipe for happiness.
Feeling a little blue? Eating nature's healthiest and most nutritious foods might help! No food's a miracle cure, of course, but a healthy diet full of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean protein can work wonders when it comes to filling you up, energizing your body, and just generally helping you feel your best.
To find out which foods are best to fill up on when feeling low, we consulted Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN, Good Housekeeping Institute (GHI)'s registered dietitian, as well as Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN, the Nutrition Director at GHI, to identify 31 superfoods that are great for if you want a little extra mood boost. With plenty of beneficial nutrients and health-promoting properties, these foods all have the ability to lift up your spirits and improve your mood — and an added bonus is that they taste great, too, so you can totally get a delicious go-to snack and happiness boost in one!
Green Tea
Green tea isn't just great for colds — this popular drink is also a great mood booster! According to Sassos, green tea contains antioxidant compounds that have cancer-fighting properties and can reduce the risk of other chronic diseases.
RELATED: These Are Green Tea's Most Exciting Health Benefits, According to a Nutritionist
Red Bell Pepper
Did you know that red bell peppers actually pack more Vitamin C than an orange? "They boast the most nutrition of all other bell peppers because they have been on the vine the longest," explains Sassos. These low-calorie, nutrient-dense vegetables contain many vitamins and nutrients to improve your mood, making it an ultimate happy food.
Walnuts
Now there's a reason to go nuts about walnuts: not only do these nuts make tasty, crunch-filled snacks, they're also one of the few plant sources for healthy omega-3 fatty acids, a nutrient that's beneficial for both the brain and the heart.
RELATED: The One Nutrient You Probably Aren't Getting Enough Of, According to a Nutritionist
Kefir
Move aside, yogurt: Kefir is the new it probiotic! This fermented milk drink is similar to yogurt and offers plenty of probiotic health benefits. "Replenishing the good bacteria in your gut by drinking kefir can help support digestion and even improve immunity," notes Sassos.
RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Probiotics, According to Experts
Okra
Also known as ladies' fingers or ochro, this green superfood is Sassos' pick for a great veggie that's low in calories and high in fiber — particularly heart-healthy soluble fiber. Additionally, okra is also rich in polyphenols, which are micronutrients found in many plant foods that can help your heart as well as fight inflammation.
Flaxseed
Looking for an easy way to get your daily fix of plant-based protein? Try mixing flax into your morning smoothie or breakfast cereal. "Flaxseeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and lignans, which are all nutrients recommended to improve heart healthy by the American Heart Association," says Sassos.
Cereal
Whether you like oats, wheat, corn, or rice, a bowl of 100% whole-grain cereal provides you with a one-two combo of filling protein and fiber first thing in the morning — meaning you won't feel hangry pre-lunch. Some GH Nutrition Lab favorites: Alpen, Kashi GOLEAN Chocolate Crunch, and classic Cheerios!
RELATED: 30 Best Healthy Whole-Grain Cereals to Add to Your Grocery List
Edamame
"Soy-based foods are some of the best foods you can eat on the planet," London says. "Soybeans provide a plant-based protein source; a slew of vitamins and minerals crucial for reducing risk of chronic disease; and fiber that helps you fill up and feel satisfied."
Bananas
Bananas for the win: The vitamin B6 in bananas may help prevent cognitive decline and reduce mood-related symptoms of PMS. Plus, each one provides about 12% of your daily fiber needs for better digestion.
Chocolate
Research indicates that antioxidant-packed dark chocolate may increase serotonin levels and protect against cognitive decline. (But you already knew that chocolate makes you happy, didn't you?) "Having an ounce of chocolate per day, or about 150 to 200 calories, has a number of different benefits," Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN says. "While no food is a miracle-worker, I'm a huge proponent of treating yourself with chocolate daily."
Nut Butter
Whether you're team peanut or team almond, it's no secret that nutritionists love nuts. The energy-boosting protein and healthy fats in a 2-tablespoon serving of nut butter can fill you up and stave off cravings for less nutritious foods.
Almonds
Likewise, a handful of actual nuts can have the same effect. (And it's less of a mess if you're on the go.)
RELATED: Why You Should Go Nuts About Almonds
Avocado
Not only is the perfect avocado toast visually pleasing to look at, but this fruit — yep, it's a fruit — also packs tons of heart-healthy unsaturated fats, fiber, and phytochemicals (a.k.a. biologically active components in plants) for satiety and disease-fighting powers.
RELATED: 21 Amazing Avocado Recipes
Salmon
Consider that grilled fillet as brainfood. The crucial compound docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in salmon helps maintain the central nervous system, not to mention the beneficial effects this fish has on your heart and metabolism.
Cottage Cheese
Don't underestimate old-fashioned cottage cheese. The fresh curds provide tons of protein and tryptophan, an essential amino acid linked with improving mood and cognition in multiple research studies.
RELATED: The Healthiest Cheeses You Can Buy, According to a Registered Dietitian
Roasted Chickpeas
Plant-based protein wins yet again. Tossed in spices and roasted in the oven, these little guys meet your crunchy, savory cravings while also providing the essential nutrients folate, manganese, and iron.
Spinach
London especially likes spinach for its nitrate content, which can reduce cholesterol, and your risk of heart disease. Nitrates may also help improve athletic performance, so maybe try crushing a can like Popeye if you want a better morning sweat session.
Sweet Potato Fries
Fries in any form mean happiness, but the roasted sweet potato kind especially deserve a shout-out for their vitamin B6 content. It's an essential coenzyme for cognitive development and you can find 15% of your daily value in one medium-sized spud.
Raspberries
Indulge your sweet tooth guilt-free by snacking on your favorite berries. One cup has 8 grams of fiber — a third of what you need in a day — and only 5 grams sugar. We know what we're having for dessert tonight...
Pistachios
Can't sleep? Try munching on an ounce of pistachios post-dinner. The protein, vitamin B6, and magnesium in these nuts can help get you in the state for better ZZZ's and consequently feel more alert tomorrow.
RELATED: 17 Sneaky Foods That Make You Sleepy
Hannah Jeon is an Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention, where she covers expert-driven commerce content for all things health, beauty, and wellness. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Good Housekeeping, she earned her bachelor’s degree in creative writing and psychology from Johns Hopkins University. When she’s not on the hunt for all the best products online, you can often find her trying out new food spots in New York City or clicking away behind a camera.
Caroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience. From 2015 to 2019, she held various editorial positions at Good Housekeeping, including as health editor, covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism and dreams of the day Northwestern will go back to the Rose Bowl.
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