You’ve probably heard all about serotonin. It’s a neurotransmitter and the amount of serotonin you have in your body is directly related to your mood (and your sex drive!). So whenever you’re in need of a mood booster, look no further than your fridge.
We found five foods that you already love and will do wonders for your mind, body, and spirit.
Hummus
Ever wondered why hummus (your favorite comfort snack) always makes you feel better? Not only is it a delicious and healthy snack, but it’s also a mood booster! Chickpeas, along with other legumes and beans, are rich in tryptophan; an amino acid that is a precursor of serotonin. Grab a lot of hummus next time you’re at Trader Joes and you’ll be happy that you did — literally.
Fermented Foods
There are many reasons to love fermented foods like kimchi, kombucha, and pickled veggies. We especially love fermented foods because they do wonders on our health by improving neurotransmitter production in the brain and helping lower blood pressure. The majority of our serotonin is produced in our gut, so if we want to keep the serotonin coming, we need to consume probiotics — the good kind of bacteria!
Seaweed
This simple and light “superfood” is actually packed with nutrients and contains a healthy dose of tryptophan. It’s also a great source of folic acid, which is needed to produce serotonin. It doesn’t hurt that it’s extremely low in calories, too!
Guacamole
Yes, you read that right. Guacamole can help boost your happiness. Both avocados and tomatoes are mood boosters — tomatoes actually contain some of the highest levels of serotonin out of all veggies. So spend that extra $2 for the guac and don’t you dare feel guilty about it.
Dark Chocolate
The cacao bean is one of the best sources of tryptophan, but when it’s mixed with sugar and all those other preservatives, it’s not so great for your well-being. Try eating raw cacao beans or chocolate bars with high cacao content (80% or more).
xx, The FabFitFun Team
