Seven foods to lift your mood

Most will agree that chocolate works as an anti-depressant. Pasta is indulgent and it is also proven that pastas relieve stress. So what are you waiting for? Dig into these mood-elevating treats.

Chocolate

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: Most will agree that chocolate works as an anti-depressant. It has a lot of positive connotations because it contains the stimulant theobromine and also is associated with gifting.

Pasta

: Pasta is indulgent and it is also proven that pastas relieve stress along with whole grain bread, rice, avocado and olives. These foods maintain mood and energy levels at a constant, reducing chances of mood swings.

Green sandwich

: Boiled veggies might be depressing and might remind you of some childhood illness when you had to gulp them down, for days together. But simple carbohydrates and starchy foods release serotonin in the brain, reducing the craving for sugary foods.

Biryani

: Yes, biryani. The oil and masala and the greasiness equal happiness. Fats and complex carbohydrates release endorphins, which are feel-good hormones.

Seafood

: Oily fish like tuna, salmon, mackerel and sardines contain Omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for optimum brain performance. Omega-3s are healthy fats (the brain is 60 per cent fatty acids) that regulate memory and mood.

Coffee

: In moderation, coffee does more good than harm. Caffeine is widely known to act as a mood elevator. Though too much caffeine might lead to anxiety and restlessness.

Fruits and salads: Nutritionists say fruits like apples and mangoes combat crankiness. Replacing deep-fried foods, ice-creams and greasy snacks with healthy foods like salads and fruits cuts down on calorie intake and satiates emotional binging. Vitamin-C rich items like lemons, citrus fruits and green chillies are an antidote for stress.