Photo: Aleksandr Titov/Getty Images Foods don’t have superpowers, but some are so special they’ve been named “superfoods.” Though there isn’t an official definition, superfoods are generally “loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants relative to their calorie content,” says Lauren Twigge, RDN. They’re also sometimes called “functional foods,” she adds.
So, why should you care about superfoods? On top of their nutrient density, superfoods offer benefits beyond their nutrition, such as the ability to boost mood, according to Twigge. That’s right—diet can play a role in overall mood, which can come in handy in winter when people are more likely to experience seasonal depression.
How it works is different than you might think. It has to do with your gut. “The link between food and mood lies in the strong connection between the brain and the gut , often referred to as the gut-brain axis,” explains Patricia Bannan, RDN. So, many foods that are beneficial for gut health are also beneficial for brain health and mood, and vice versa.
Here are the best superfoods for mood, according to registered dietitians and medical literature. Lauren Twigge, RDN , a registered dietitian in Dallas
Patricia Bannan, RDN , a registered dietitian in Los Angeles
Maggie Moon, RD , a Los Angeles dietitian who specializes in brain health
Nicole Ibarra, RD , a Phoenix-based dietitian
Greek Yogurt
Dairy is often associated with building strong bones, but it’s good for your brain too, Twigge points out. “Milk contains a variety of brain-boosting nutrients, including calcium , vitamin D , zinc , B-vitamins, and protein,” she explains. “Vitamin D can promote feelings of positivity and reduce feelings of depression.”If you’re not a big milk drinker, try Greek yogurt —a cultured milk product you can enjoy on its own or in smoothies and savory dips . “Greek yogurt is packed with active cultures that promote a healthy microbiome, which is closely linked to mood regulation,” Bannan says. She points to a 2014 study1 wherein yogurt was shown to reduce stress. Other studies2 have found that yogurt can alleviate anxiety . The 6 Best Low-Sodium Cheeses, According to a […]
10 Mood-Boosting Superfoods to Eat When You’re Feeling Down, According to RDs
