4 Healthy Foods That Have Been Proven To Make You Feel Happier

Certain foods can make you tired and cranky, while others have the power to give you an energy boost and help you lose weight.

But did you know that you can also eat your way to happiness?

It’s true! There really are foods that have been scientifically proven to put you in a better mood and make you a happier person.

Combined with great sleep, healthy exercise, some relaxing meditation, and a healthy dose of laughter, these 4 foods can make you feel happier in general:

1. Mushrooms: Most of us hated mushrooms as kids, but as we get older, it’s easier to appreciate their unique flavor. Believe it or not, these plants also offer a slew of health benefits, like weight management. Mushrooms are also extremely rich in selenium, a powerful mineral that doubles as an antioxidant. Research shows that a deficiency in selenium has been linked to anxiety, depression, and fatigue. They’re also the only plant source of vitamin D, a vital nutrient that many of us don’t get enough of in our diet. In one particular study, scientists found that American participants who upped their vitamin D intake experienced an enhanced mood.
2. Probiotic-rich Foods: After numerous different studies, scientists now believe that the type of bacteria in your gut is directly linked to your overall mood. In a recent Dutch study, 20 healthy volunteers were either given probiotic supplements or placebos for four weeks. What researchers found in the end was that the participants taking the probiotics felt significantly happier than those who were given the placebos. They believe this is because adding the right kind of bacteria helps the line of communication in the gut-brain axis, or the signals between the GI tract and the brain.  

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3. Coffee: Though coffee has a bad rap for making people jittery and anxious, plenty of research shows that it can have excellent health benefits when consumed in moderation. In fact, one particular study found that morning coffee drinkers tend to have a higher amount of energy and feel more pleasure than those who don’t. When sipped socially, coffee was also linked to friendship, satisfaction, good nature, and affection. Drinking a cup of Joe leisurely may promote happy feels of tranquility and calmness.
4. Green Tea: Already linked to weight loss and boosting metabolism, green tea also has the power to make you feel happier, according to one eye-opening Japanese study. Looking at the psychological stress levels in more than 40,000 people, the researchers found that those who consumed five or more cups of green tea a day were more relaxed than people who drank one cup or less.

Which mood-boosting food are you most surprised to see on the list? Tell us in the comments!

Photo Copyright © 2014 Mateus Lunardi Dutra/Flickr