Dawn to dusk: 7 mood-enhancing foods you really should tuck in to

We all know that eating well has a positive impact on how we feel.

And in turn, consuming less than the daily recommended amounts of vitamins and minerals (or just eating bad food in general!) can have a negative impacty on our physical and mental health.

Your body just functions better when you eat well. An at some point we’ve all experienced the nastiness of a sugar crash, caused by too many sweets, cakes or fizzy drinks.

That’s not to say you can’t indulge every once in a while, but a balanced diet is recommended for a reason.

Thankfully, there are a load of naturally mood-lifting foods available that can help to regulate our feel-good hormones.

From breakfast through to dinner, here are seven foods you should add into your diet to increase your happiness:

1. Chocolate

Eating chocolate makes everything better, but eating dark chocolate has been proven to boost our mood.

Consuming a few pieces triggers the brain to boost serotonin levels and release feel-good endorphins.

2. Oats

Oats have a low glycaemic index, which means energy is released slowly into your bloodstream

This helps to stabalise your mood, as opposed to the crash you feel after consuming sugary foods.

3. Turkey

Turkey along with other types of poultry contains the amino acid tryptophan which is used to treat conditions such as anxiety and depression.

The consumption of turkey can also help produce melatonin which aids restful sleep.

4. Bananas

This fruit is a natural mood-booster, and also contains the tryptophan amino acid.

The vitamin B6 found in bananas helps to convert the tryptophan into serotonin, a mood-lifting hormone produced within the body.

It is also packed with vitamins A and C, fibre, potassium, and iron.

5. Brazil nuts

Selenium, contained in Brazil nuts, has been proven to relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Brazil nuts are packed with this beneficial mineral. It can also be found in seafood and sunflower seeds.

6. Lentils

A complex carbohydrate, lentils also increase the production of neurotransmitter serotonin, melatonin, and tyrosine.

Low levels of these important hormones have all been linked to depression.

7. Water

Dehydration can cause tiredness, confusion, poor concentration and irritability.

Our bodies are dependent on water to function properly as women’s bodies are made up of 55 percent water.

Sipping water throughout the day can prevent even the slightest level of dehydration.

Things to avoid if you are feeling off are caffeine, sugar, and alcohol – which all have a negative impact on your mood.