No jokes here! We put together a list of 5 healthy foods that you can (hopefully) find at any grocery store that are proven to boost your mood.

Enjoy!

Bananas

These yellow guys are packed with vitamin B6, which helps synthesize feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. They also contain fiber and sugar. When paired with fiber, sugar is released slowly into your bloodstream, allowing for stable blood sugar levels and better mood control.

Berries

Meta-analysis show that eating more berries is linked to lower rates of depression. Although we don’t fully understand why, it’s most likely due to their rich antioxidant concentration, which helps lower inflammation.

They’re also rich high anthocyanins, a pigment that gives certain berries their purple-blue color. One study linked a diet rich in anthocyanins with a 39% lower risk of depression symptoms.

Beans and Lentils

These two are an excellent source of B vitamins and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), both of which are important for regulating mood. They’re also a good source of zinc, magnesium, selenium, and non-heme iron, which may also elevate your spirits. 

Dark Chocolate

This delicious treat releases a cascade of feel-good compounds, such as caffeine, theobromine, and N-acylethanolamine — a substance chemically similar to cannabinoids that has been linked to improved mood. Because milk chocolate contains added fats and sugars, we recommend opting for dark. This one should be a once in a while treat!