Foods That Boost the Happiness Hormones and Your Mood

Happiness is just one thing hormones are responsible for, and many things you do in your daily life can affect your hormones. Here are some foods you can eat and habits and activities you can start adding to your day to naturally boost levels of the hormones in your body that make you happy: serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, improve mood as well.

1. Blueberries

Fruits like blueberries are rich in antioxidants, simple carbohydrates, and fiber. The antioxidants in blueberries can prevent free radical damage and reduce inflammation. There may also be a link between the flavonoid (phytochemicals with health benefits) in blueberries and their interactions with serotonin and dopamine receptors.

2. Avocados

They help give you energy. Monounsaturated fats don't clog your arteries and allow blood to flow more freely through your circulatory system, allowing for better circulation of dopamine and serotonin throughout your body. Better circulation also means better blood flow to your brain, allowing more production of these hormones.

3. Citrus

Citrus fruits are rich in antioxidants that act as natural blood thinners while preventing plaque buildup. This reduces the risk of poor circulation or clotting, and your brain will get the blood flow it needs to keep you energized and happy. An easy way to get citrus is to eat oranges or grapefruits, or add lemons and limes to water.

4. Tea

Lemon tea has similar effects to citrus water with antioxidant benefits. Turmeric tea can reduce inflammation. Chamomile tea is used to relieve insomnia and evoke calm. Buy some tea bags, or if it's turmeric, make a mixture at home, steep in boiling water and enjoy.

5. Dark chocolate

The caffeine in chocolate blocks adenosine, a substance in the brain that increases sleepiness. As a result, you may notice that you are more focused due to the stimulant. Dark chocolate is also rich in antioxidants, so it may provide similar mood-boosting effects as blueberries.

6. Nuts

As we age, damage caused by free radicals (scavenging out of our body's unbalanced atoms) can cause oxidative stress to our cells. We find vitamin E in nuts and seeds, which protects cells from this oxidative stress, thereby enhancing brain function.