Ten Mood-Boosting Summertime Foods that Lift Your Spirits

It's common to experience summertime depression because of things like heat exhaustion, interrupted routines, dehydration, and altered sleep cycles. But during this season, several meals might improve our mood and make us feel better. Foods high in vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and other nutrients are essential for maintaining brain function and controlling mood. You may lessen stress, elevate general wellbeing, and stabilize your mood by include these items in your summer diet. We've compiled a list of items in this post that you can eat this summer to feel better.

Ten foods that improve mood and make you feel happy in the summer:

1. Berries Antioxidants, especially flavonoids, which lower oxidative stress and inflammation—two factors connected to depression—are abundant in berries. As a snack, you might have a bowl of fresh berries. They go well with yogurt, porridge, and smoothies.

2. Chocolate dark
   Theobromine, caffeine, and flavonoids—compounds found in dark chocolate—have the ability to improve mood by boosting endorphin production and cerebral blood flow. Aim to consume 1-2 ounces of dark chocolate (with at least 70% cocoa content) every day. You may also experiment with mixing dark chocolate chips into your yogurt or trail mix.

3. Oily fish
   Omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for brain function and can lessen depressive symptoms, are abundant in fatty fish. Try baking or grilling a portion of fish that is high in fat twice a week. You could also try mixing canned sardines into salads or whole-grain crackers as a delicious way to include them in your diet.

4. Seeds and nuts
   Tryptophan, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are abundant in nuts and seeds, enhance mood management and brain function. For a more upbeat and energetic feeling, munch on a handful of nuts or a combination of nuts and seeds.

5. Vegetable greens
   Folate, a B vitamin that aids in the synthesis of the mood-regulating neurotransmitter serotonin, is abundant in leafy greens. This summer, prepare a rotating fresh salad with a range of leafy green vegetables. Kale and spinach can also be sautéed as a side dish or included to smoothies.

6. Bananas
   Tryptophan, vitamin B6, and naturally occurring sugars in bananas can raise serotonin levels and provide you a rapid energy boost. Scoop up a banana for a quick snack or cut one up and add it to smoothies, oatmeal, or cereal.
7. Foods that are fermented
   Probiotics found in fermented foods support a healthy gut flora, which is necessary for the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin. Every day, try eating a serving of kefir or yogurt. Additionally, you can use kimchi or sauerkraut as a side dish or in salads and sandwiches.

8. Fruits with citrus
   Due to its ability to lower cortisol levels, vitamin C, which is abundant in citrus fruits, can help reduce stress and enhance mood. Oranges and grapefruits are great as-is snacks. Citrus segments can be added to salads or mixed with water to make lemonade.

   By adding these foods that improve mood to your summer diet, you can feel better overall and have a more joyful and energetic season.