8 Foods That Boost Happy Hormones

8 Foods That Boost Happy Hormones (1)
  • 6th February 2024

1. Serotonin Surge with Bananas

 

Eat a banana first thing in the morning to boost your mood because they are rich in the feel-good chemical serotonin. Bananas contain the amino acid tryptophan, which increases the levels of serotonin, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter. Nutritional facts of banana (ripe) per 100 grams:

 

Calories

89

Total Fat

0.3 grams

Saturated Fat

0.1 grams

Cholesterol

0 mg

Sodium

1 mg

Potassium

358 mg

Total Carbs

23 grams

Dietary Fiber

2.6 grams

Granulated Sugar

12 grams

Protein

1.1 grams

Vitamin C

14% of daily requirement

Iron

1% of daily requirement

Vitamin B6

20% of daily requirement

Magnesium

6% of daily requirement

 

2. Dark Chocolate Delight

 

Enjoy a square of this antioxidant- and flavonoid-rich chocolate. As a delicious way to boost your mood, dark chocolate can be a natural mood enhancer by stimulating the release of endorphins. A bar of dark chocolate containing 70–85% cocoa solids, weighing 101 grams, offers:

 

 

 

Calories

604

Protein

7.87 grams

Total Carbs

46.36 grams

Total Fat

43.06 grams

Dietary Fiber

11 grams

Sugar

24.23 grams

Iron

12.02 mg

Magnesium

230 mg

Zinc

3.34 mg

 

3. Fatty Fish Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

 

 Fish such as mackerel, salmon, and others are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. The feel-good neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin can be made with the help of these heart-healthy fats, which are essential for brain function. Nutritional facts of salmon per 100 grams:

 

 

Calories

208

Total Fat

13 grams

Saturated Fat

3.13 grams

Cholesterol

553 mg

Sodium

59 mg

Potassium

363 mg

Total Carbs

03 grams

Dietary Fiber

03 grams

Protein

203 grams

Vitamin C

6% of daily requirement

Iron

1% of daily requirement

Vitamin B6

30% of daily requirement

Magnesium

6% of daily requirement

Cobalamin

53% of daily requirement

 

4. Mood-Boosting Nuts and Seeds

 

Enjoy the feel-good effects of almonds, walnuts, or chia seeds as a snack. The magnesium in these foods aids in serotonin regulation, which in turn promotes feelings of peace and contentment. Nutritional value of almonds per 100 grams:

 

 

Calories

579

Protein

21.2 grams

Total Fat

49.9 grams

Total Carbs

21.6 grams

Dietary Fiber

12.5 grams

Total Sugar

4.35 grams

Calcium

269 mg

Iron

3.71 mg

Magnesium

270 mg

Phosphorus

481 mg

Potassium

733 mg

Sodium

1 mg

Zinc

3.12 mg

 

 

5. Probiotics in Yogurt

 

Yogurt contains probiotics, which work to maintain a healthy gut and impact the gut-brain axis. If your gut microbiome is in balance, it can affect serotonin production in a positive way, making yogurt a delicious mood booster. Nutritional value of plain yogurt (whole milk) per 100 grams:

 

 

Calories

61

Protein

3.47 grams

Total Fat

3.25 grams

Total Carbs

4.66 grams

Dietary Fiber

0 grams

Total Sugar

4.66 grams

Calcium

121 mg

Iron

0.05 mg

Magnesium

12 mg

Phosphorus

95 mg

Potassium

155 mg

Sodium

46 mg

Zinc

0.59 mg

 

6. Antioxidant Berries for Pure Joy

 

Raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries are packed with antioxidants and also contain quercetin. Berries are a wonderful way to boost your serotonin levels, and this flavonoid has been associated with this. Nutritional value of blueberries per 100 grams:

 

 

Calories

57

Protein

0.74 grams

Total Fat

0.33 grams

Total Carbs

14.5 grams

Dietary Fiber

2.4 grams

Total Sugar

9.96 grams

Calcium

6 mg

Iron

0.28 mg

Magnesium

6 mg

Phosphorus

12 mg

Potassium

77 mg

Sodium

1 mg

Zinc

0.16 mg

 

7. Leafy Greens and Folate

 

Folate is a B-vitamin that is necessary for the synthesis of neurotransmitters. Leafy greens, such as kale and spinach, supply a dose of this vitamin. Eating a lot of leafy greens can improve your mood because folic acid deficiency can reduce serotonin levels. Nutritional value of spinach (raw) per 100 grams:

 

 

Calories

23

Protein

2.86 grams

Total Fat

0.39 grams

Total Carbs

3.63 grams

Dietary Fiber

2.2 grams

Total Sugar

0.42 grams

Calcium

99 mg

Iron

2.71 mg

Magnesium

79 mg

Phosphorus

49 mg

Potassium

558 mg

Sodium

79 mg

Zinc

0.53 mg

 

8. The Curcumin Kick of Turmeric

 

Incorporate a pinch of turmeric into your recipes to tap into the medicinal properties of curcumin. This turmeric active ingredient may increase levels of the feel-good neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine while also reducing inflammation. Nutritional value of turmeric powder per 100 grams:

 

 

Calories

312

Protein

9.68 grams

Total Fat

3.25 grams

Total Carbs

67.1 grams

Dietary Fiber

22.7 grams

Total Sugar

0 grams

Calcium

0 mg

 

Adding these foods to your varied diet will not only make you feel good about yourself, but it will also stimulate the biochemical pathways in your body that are responsible for feeling happy. A balanced and serotonin-boosting diet can lift your spirits, bite by delicious bite.

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