Foods that Elevate the Mood and Fight Stress

Sep 2, 2010
Shweta Shah

Banana is a Mood Food - Marlith

Here's a list of the top five foods that promise to uplift the mood and dispel gloom, irritability and anxiety successfully.

Research says that there is a strong and intricate association between certain specific foods and the mood. Some foods have the capacity to instill calmness, composure and contentment and can drive out despair and irritability effectively.

Thus, starting the day with these foods and consuming them at regular intervals of time is the key to cheerfulness and de-stressing.

Bananas are One of the Most Powerful Mood Foods

Bananas are a rich source of the mineral magnesium. Deficiency of magnesium and the response to stress are intimately linked. An insufficient intake of magnesium-packed foods results in irritability, crabbiness, fatigue, insomnia, confusion and poor memory.

Eating one banana everyday day promises to supply loads of magnesium. Consuming the fruit as a mid-morning snack fuels the body for the entire day. Consequently, the body is better equipped to fight stress. Bananas reduce irritability, improve mood, decrease anxiety and enhance sleep.

Lemons Fight Stress Effectively

Lemons provide a burst of vitamin C. Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is essential to boost nor-epinephrine levels. Also, vitamin C is necessary for the optimum absorption of iron. In its absence, lesser amounts of iron are absorbed and therefore, one feels tired and weary.

Clinical studies reveal that during periods of stress, large quantities of the vitamin are excreted in the urine, thus signifying the increased need for the nutrient during periods of stress. Hence, start off the day with the juice of a freshly squeezed lemon.

Spinach Combats Irritability and Depression

Spinach too is loaded with magnesium, a mineral that exerts strong relaxing and calming effects on the mind and body. Additionally, spinach supplies high levels of folic acid, which prevents and battles depression efficiently. Spinach promises to restore energy, enhance vitality and boost mood.

Glutathione, a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-aging element is found in abundance in spinach. Ensure that the vegetable is consumed at least twice a week.

Whole Wheat is a Mood Enhancer

Rich in carbohydrates, whole wheat exerts a calming and relaxing effect on the nervous system. Carbohydrate-rich foods cause amino acid Tryptophan to enter the brain, where it is utilized to synthesize hormone serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter and a ‘feel good’ hormone, that elevates the mood and dispels gloom effectively.

Whole wheat ought to be a part of the daily diet. Stay away from refined and processed wheat flour.

Milk Soothes and Calms Frayed Nerves

Milk is an excellent source of the mineral calcium and also provides amino acid tryptophan. In addition to its bone-building properties, the mineral soothes nerves, especially, when one feels anxious and irritable. Tryptophan is necessary to synthesize serotonin, which lifts up the mood appreciably.

Drinking one glass of warm milk at bed time is decidedly soothing and relaxing, and induces restful and deep sleep.

When life gets frenzied and stressful, one feels overwhelmed by the events happening around. Insecurity, indecision, frustration and disappointment surface, and the mind seems to explode. Worry, apprehension, panic and emotional upheavals, all take a severe toll on the health. Healthy eating and incorporating the right foods in to the daily diet is very crucial to maintain mental as well as physical health.