Summer is slowly fading away and autumn is coming. The days are getting shorter, the weather cooler. The resulting sun deprivation is quite depressing. Some even suffer from a real autumn blues – not to mention winter! However, you don’t have to endure the low mood until next spring, because these 9 foods will quickly put you in a good mood:
Bananas
Bananas taste sweet and are one of the most popular types of fruits. But they can do more than that! The high proportion of vitamin B6 counteracts states of exhaustion or premenstrual syndrome. As a mood-enhancing food, bananas are suitable thanks to their nutrients potassium and tryptophan. The stimulus threshold is lowered, depression or insomnia reduced.
Asparagus
The fresh stick vegetables are only available in spring. If you don’t want to do without its valuable ingredients, you have to use asparagus from the jar. With its vitamin B complex, it plays an important role in the nervous system and mood. Nutrients such as vitamins A, C and K, folic acid, potassium, manganese and copper improve mental and emotional state.
Avocados
Some love them, others hate them: avocados. The contained healthy fats (unsaturated fatty acids), as well as tryptophan, vitamin B6 and folic acid, can be converted into mood-enhancing serotonin in this constellation.
Sweet Potatoes
This tuber is now increasingly being served to burger lovers in the form of sweet potato fries. The carbohydrate package not only tastes deliciously sweet, but also consists of many nutrients such as iron and vitamin B6. On the other hand, low moods, depression, cravings and gloom don’t stand a chance. Positive for everyone who wants to lose weight: sweet potatoes keep the blood sugar level constant.
Rosemary
If you need help with relaxation, you should use these medicinal herbs. Their essential oils promote blood circulation and have a beneficial effect on various brain functions.
Brown Rice and Brazil Nuts
Selenium and magnesium are effective against low mood, stress, exhaustion and depression. Both brown rice and Brazil nuts contain these nutrients and are therefore not negligible as mood enhancers.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed tastes good in muesli or yogurt. And they are real all-rounders! They are rich in lignans and have a hormone-balancing effect with these estrogen-like components. In addition, in combination with plenty of liquid, they regulate digestion and prevent constipation. The omega-3 fatty acids it contains also have a positive effect on body and mind.
Walnuts
Walnuts are also high in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain function and may relieve symptoms of depression. Scientists have already found a connection between an omega-3 fatty acid deficiency and mental health problems. So if you need a snack, you should reach for walnuts: the nutritious kernels are real nerve food.
Beetroot
A handful of beetroot a day provides 30 percent of the daily requirement of folic acid – and not only pregnant women need it. Studies show that folic acid deficiency promotes depression and can lead to fatigue and insomnia. The contained betanin not only provides the reddish color, but also stimulates the production of the happiness hormone serotonin.