According to Uber Eats and Chef Jozef Youssef of Kitchen Theory, here are the top ten scientific mood-boosting foods:
- Sweet Potato – vibrant in both colour and flavour, it is a delicious complex starch, beneficial for the production of serotonin, also known as ‘happiness’ neurotransmitter.
- Salmon – another vibrantly coloured ingredient, much loved for its buttery texture and feel, salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which benefits the brain.
- Kale – crunchy and earthy, kale is another complex starch that is also good for serotonin production.
- Bananas – beaming with a big yellow smile, bananas are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and pre-biotic foods which help with digestion – and this impacts mood!
- Blueberries – these vibrant little berries contain special antioxidants called carotenoids flavonoids and other antioxidant compounds like vitamin A, C, E, selenium, zinc, and phosphorus.
- Red meat – a good source of tryptophan which is essential in the production of serotonin and provides a number of essential nutrients, including protein, zinc and vitamin B12.
- Mango – flesh bursting with the colour of sunshine, soft to touch and a heady sweet aroma, mango is packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
- Chocolate – a prebiotic and antioxidant treat known for putting a smile on most people’s faces.
- Walnuts – coincidentally shaped like a brain, walnuts are known to be highly beneficial for our brain and are not only packed with antioxidants but also contain a number of other neuroprotective compounds, including vitamin E, folate, melatonin,omega-3 fats.
- Kimchi (or sauerkraut) – fiery in both flavour and colour, kimchi is a prebiotic food and the lactic acid bacteria formed during the fermentation of kimchi may also help your body break down pesticides.
