Certain foods and key nutrients can lift your mood. Have you ever eaten lots of processed foods and sugar and felt really blah? Well, there is a science to explain how food can influence your mood!
Our gut talks to our brain so keeping our gut bacteria fueled with prebiotic foods is a great step to boosting out mental wellbeing. Getting microbiota accessible carbohydrates and key gut loving nutrients into your diet has been shown to improve brain health and reduce depression.
Here are some healthy foods to incorporate into your day to boost your mood:
1. Cocoa
Cocoa is an excellent source of polyphenols which act as food for our gut bacteria. These polyphenols positively effect parts of the brain involved in mood regulation. These antioxidant polyphenols are also anti-inflammatory which is a bonus in modulating mood as inflammation can negatively impact our mood. That afternoon snack of dark chocolate will be uplifting you in no time!
2. Blueberries.
Blueberries can change the gut microbiota, leading to a reduction in inflammation and an improvement in the body's response to insulin. The anti-inflammatory properties of blueberries increase positive bacteria living in your gut to make it healthier and improve neurotransmitters to boost your mood. It’s not just blueberries that contain these happy nutrients – a mix of berries with different colours will deliver different flavonoids. Berry smoothie anyone?
3. Omega-3s
Omega-3s are essential for controlling inflammation. Optimal dietary intake is associated with positive outcomes for reproductive health and also mental health. These compounds are neuroprotective, reducing depression and enhancing mental wellbeing.
4. Prebiotic Fibre
Our microbiota-brain communication is vital for brain development, function and influencing behaviour. A healthy, diverse gut microbiota promotes a better mood so make sure you are feeding your gut friends the prebiotic fibre they love! Fertile Gut contains proven prebiotics but is also a source of Omega-3 and antioxidant phytonutrients for extra gut loving goodness.
