Many seek to find happiness in several ways, such as exercise, meditation, or others, at a time when the following question is raised: Does diet affect our mood?

In this regard, studies related to healthy nutrition and mental health have shown that the type of food has an effect in increasing serotonin in our brains, according to what was reported by the “Healthline” website, which specializes in health and nutrition.

So instead of snacks that are high in sugars and carbohydrates, add these foods to your diet to increase serotonin, the element responsible for modulating your mood, as stated in a report published by the Deutsche Welle website.


Serotonin makes you happier

Serotonin is the chemical that plays an important role in regulating our mood. It is even described as the hormone of happiness, as low levels in the body cause mood instability.

A report published by the "CNet" website mentioned a number of foods that can contribute to increasing serotonin in the body, the most important of which are:

Dark chocolate positively affects your mood because it contains tryptophan and theobromine (Pixabi)

1- dark chocolate

Several studies have found that dark chocolate can positively affect an individual's mood, due to the components it contains, especially tryptophan and theobromine, also known as "xanthrose." Tryptophan is an amino acid that the brain uses to produce serotonin.

Bananas are rich in vitamin B6, which is necessary for the production of serotonin, which regulates mood (Deutsche Welle)

2- Bananas

Bananas contain serotonin, and therefore it is important in regulating mood, and the body needs vitamin B6 to produce serotonin.

Bananas are especially rich in this vitamin.

MCTs in coconut milk reduce anxiety (German)

3- Coconut

Coconut is full of fats that can help boost your energy.

A 2017 animal study revealed that MCTs in coconut milk may reduce anxiety.


4- coffee

Some 2016 studies concluded that coffee consumption was significantly associated with a lower risk of depression.

Other studies found that coffee, whether caffeinated or decaffeinated, significantly improved people's mood compared to those who had other drinks.

Avocados make you happier, as they are full of nutrients the body uses to regulate the nervous system and mood (Shutterstock)

5- Avocado

Avocados make you happier, as this fruit is packed with nutrients including choline, which the body uses to regulate the nervous system and mood.

A 2020 study showed that the healthy fats in avocados are linked to lower anxiety in women, plus they are rich in B vitamins, which have been linked to lower levels of stress.

Eating fruits, especially berries, has been significantly associated with improved mental health (pixels).

6- berries

Analysis showed that eating fruits and vegetables, especially berries, was significantly associated with improved mental health, as they are rich in antioxidants, also known as flavonoids, that reduce symptoms of depression.

Yogurt helps you maintain a healthy gut and improve your mood (Deutsche Welle)

7- Fermented foods

Foods that go through the fermentation process, such as sauerkraut and yogurt, help you maintain a healthy gut, and may also help improve your mood, as the fermentation process supports healthy bacteria in your gut.