5 Foods That Bust a Bad Mood

SHAPE magazine

Eat your way to a happy day (and happy life) with these foods that will boost your mood.

Walnuts
Arizona State University researchers reported that high intakes of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a form of omega-3 fat found in walnuts, flaxseed and chia seed, can keep you feeling chipper. Eating chia seed doesn't appeal to you?

Barramundi
Cast your line for this oddly named fish when you're feeling down. A study in the journal Nutrition found that women with the highest intakes of EPA and DHA-two omega-3 fats found in fish such as barramundi, trout, salmon and sardines-were less likely to experience symptoms of depression. Omega-3s help promote proper functioning of the neurotransmitters that regulate mood, scientists say.

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Dark Chocolate
Chocolate contains mood-boosting compounds such as theobromine and phenylethyamine. Further, a recent Swiss study found that eating a little over an ounce of antioxidant-rich dark chocolate (about 6 Hershey Kisses) daily for two weeks reduced stress hormone levels including cortisol in people with high anxiety. Bonus: Dark chocolate is also on this list of the best foods for better sex!

Greek Yogurt
Noshing on protein can raise levels of mood-boosting neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. With twice as much protein as traditional yogurt, dipping your spoon into deliciously thick Greek yogurt can help take the edge off and make you feel like a million bucks.

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Quinoa
An Archives of Internal Medicine study found that people who ate a low-carb diet for 1-year experienced more depression than those who ate a low-fat diet that included more nutrient-rich carbohydrates like quinoa, brown rice and whole wheat pasta. Restricting carbs can reduce the production of "I rock" serotonin in your brain. What else can carbs do for your body?

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