Ditch the Blues with Mood-Boosting Foods

Feeling down? Take a look at your diet — at least that’s what many researchers are doing in order to explore the connections between food and mood. Junk foods, such as heavily processed, fried and artificial foods, demonstrate serious negative impacts on the brain and emotions, similar to narcotic drugs. They stimulate short term reward centers in the central nervous system, but over time they can lead to dependency and mood imbalances, not to mention the all-too-common long term health consequences. On the other hand, a number of studies show that people — young and old — who eat more vegetables and fruits have better emotional stability, more happiness and less stress and anxiety. Recent research has also demonstrated that antioxidants — abundant in many plant-based foods — can promote emotional well being.

One 2013 study, published in the British Journal of Health Psychology, examined the relationship between diet and mood in 281 young adults. Authors reported that participants who ate more fruits and vegetables felt calmer, happier and more energetic, calling for further studies to explore these connections.

A much larger study published late 2012 in the journal Social Indicators Research examined the diets of 80,000 people in Britain. Results showed that happiness and emotional well being were “dose dependent” on the amount of vegetables and fruits people ate, suggesting that emotional well being peaks with seven servings of fruit and/or vegetables a day. Measurable indicators included self-reported life satisfaction, mental well-being, happiness, nervousness and others.

Apparently, seven servings is the magic number to reach a greater plateau of mental and emotional wellness, according to the authors of this study. However, it’s likely that this level of wellness can be surpassed to bring even greater health and happiness, when good-mood-foods are combined with other measures such as regular exercise, mind-body practices and targeted natural supplements.

Good Mood Super-Foods

Here are some star player foods that go a long way to boost mental, emotional and overall physical health and wellness. These whole foods are rich in antioxidants, minerals and nutrients to support relaxation and boost mental clarity and happiness. They also support numerous other areas of health in the process.

Greens

Leafy greens, such as spinach, beet greens, collards, kale and others, are loaded with nutrients that the brain and body love. In particular, they contain high amounts of magnesium (particularly spinach), which is essential in promoting relaxation and helping the brain to increase GABA activity. GABA is a neurotransmitter involved in relaxation and stress relief, among other important functions. Greens also contain B vitamins and folate, which are essential in managing stress. Micro-algae, such as spirulina, are also considered “green foods” because of high chlorophyll content. Spirulina contains a good percentage of stress-busting vitamin B-12 as well as protein and minerals, and helps to balance blood sugar which is also essential in promoting a healthy mood.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables, particularly broccoli, are some of the most nutrient dense vegetables. They contain a number of active compounds that promote many areas of health including mental and emotional well being. Cabbage contains tryptophan and selenium (along with numerous other phytonutrients), which help relax and support a healthy mood. Broccoli is high in vitamin C, which helps combat the effects of increased cortisol. Furthermore, these vegetables are excellent detoxifiers and contain an abundance of antioxidants to help promote long-term physical, mental and emotional wellness.

Avocados

These rich fruits are nutritional super-foods. Packed with healthy mood and brain-supporting fats, protein, vitamin B-6 and folate, avocados support numerous areas of health including a balanced mood. Avocados also contain tryptophan, which helps promote healthy relaxation.

HonoPure® for Healthy Mood Support

Another excellent way to support relaxation and a healthy mood is with EcoNugenics HonoPure® 98% purified Honokiol extract. Honokiol is an ingredient isolated from magnolia bark, an ancient staple of traditional Chinese herbalism which was commonly used to address anxiety. HonoPure® works to support a healthy mood in part by helping to regulate GABA production. It’s also a powerful antioxidant which crosses the blood brain barrier to support cognitive function in numerous ways. HonoPure® 98% pure Honokiol is an excellent natural solution to support restful sleep and a healthy mood. At higher doses, it’s a powerful cellular health agent, helping to promote optimal cell function throughout the body.*

Learn more about HonoPure® here.

The Path of Life

Physical health and mental/emotional health are intimately connected. As your body becomes stronger and healthier — with the right foods, lifestyle habits and targeted natural supplements — happiness, relaxation, brain function and vitality will increase as well. Overall, these self-care practices help nourish the positive outlook and energy you need to optimize health and wellness for life.