10 Mood Boosting Foods that Just Happen to be Vegan

Many of us have reached for food when in a bad mood. The only problem is that a lot of us tend to reach for unhealthy foods that actually worsen our mood and trigger binge eating.

Eating the right foods doesn’t just help stabilize your mood, it can ease anxiety and depression. Researchers say that foods that contain tryptophan can increase your serotonin levels, which leads to a better mood.

VEGAN MOOD BOOSTING FOODS

In fact, many of the nutrients found in vegan foods can help improve your mood. Below are 10 vegan mood boosting foods to try next time you’re eating your feelings.

1. Nuts

Eating your favorite nuts can boost your mood thanks to tryptophan. They also contain antioxidants, fiber and vitamins that will keep you energetic. If you usually snack on junk foods whenever you’re in a bad mood, replace them with nuts.

2. Lentils

You can get all the folate you need in a day by simply eating a bowl of lentils. This B-vitamin is essential for boosting your mood. Studies have actually linked low folate levels to depression. 

Lentils are also a good source of fiber, protein and iron. You may want to read this article if eating lentils and other vegan foods cause digestive problems for you.

3. Avocado

Eating avocado by itself when you’re feeling low can help. It’s a good source of vitamin B5, which is essential for synthesizing neurotransmitters, according to research.

It will also give you good amounts of omega 3s, which can be handy especially if you suffer depression.

4. Oats

Oats do more for your health than you may realize. They can ease anxiety, maintain a healthy nervous system and prevent depression. This is all due to their high nutrient content. They contain magnesium, fiber, B vitamins, protein and potassium.

Feel free to soak, cook, or add them to smoothies. And if you have celiac disease or are sensitive to gluten, buy gluten-free oats.

5. Asparagus

You may be inclined to skip out on asparagus, because it makes your pee smell, but that’s no reason to forgo its many mood boosting benefits. It will keep you energetic, because it’s packed with vitamins A, B6, C, E and K, plus folate, protein, fiber, iron, calcium and copper.

Other than boosting your mood, it regulates estrogen and testosterone, thanks to vitamin E.

6. Oranges and Papaya

These two fruits will give you folic acid and vitamin B6, two beneficial nutrients for people struggling with depression, research shows.

7. Saffron

This spice is popular in Indian and Spanish cuisines. It has long been used as a natural remedy for depression.

While there is no research to prove that saffron boosts mood, this study found that saffron was as effective at lifting depression as Prozac.

8. Bell Peppers

If you feel like your diet is lacking in vitamin C, you should definitely add bell peppers to your diet. Research shows adequate amounts of vitamin C can boost your mood.

9. Dark Leafy Greens

Dark leafy greens such as kale, spinach, broccoli and collard greens are very energizing. They contain high amounts of nutrients and are low in calories.

Try to eat at least one cup of greens at every meal.

10. Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds contain protein, fiber and omega 3s. Add the seeds to salads or smoothies and use hemp seed oil as a salad dressing.