10 Foods to Lift Your Mood

Fish

When you're feeling down, cook up some salmon, tuna, sardines or other oily fish. Their high levels of omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to fight depression, moodiness and impulsivity. Plant foods such as flaxseed, soybean oil, walnuts and canola oil are also high in omega-3s.

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Eggs

No, we're not talking about the whites. It's actually the egg yolks that are the best source of dietary lecithin, which is essential for brain function and affects not only mood, but also memory and concentration.

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Whole Grains

The best way to consume whole-grain foods is in small amounts throughout the day. Doing so will maintain a steady supply of glucose in your blood, which your brain needs to release the body's feel-good chemicals.

Pumpkin and Sunflower Seeds

Your favorite snack foods, because they contain tryptophan, may boost your spirits as you munch 'em. (Note: Tryptophan also helps to regulate your appetite and helps you sleep better.) To get the most nutritional value, it's best to eat them raw. Toss them in salads or add them to soups, baked goods and casseroles.

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Popeye’s Delight

He was strong to the finish, and probably smiling when he got there, too. That's because spinach, Popeye's favorite meal, is also a great source of folic acid. The vitamin may reduce the high levels of homocysteine associated with depression.

Shellfish

Shellfish -- and oysters in particular -- are high in zinc, an essential mineral that helps to regulate mood. But wait, there's more! Zinc is also a key ingredient for the production of testosterone, which amps up your libido. So you'll be even happier after getting a boost in the bedroom!

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Garlic

Just when that shellfish gets you in the mood for love, will garlic breath get in the way? While we don't want to squelch the romantic vibe, garlic is rich in selenium, another mineral that makes you smile when you get enough of it. So give your food some kick -- just be sure to carry some breath mints.

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Lean Red Meats

Women in particular are susceptible to iron deficiency, some symptoms of which are irritability, fatigue, depression and memory problems. Red meats are the best source of iron, but chicken and fish are good options, too.

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Bananas

You've probably heard that bananas are high in potassium, which helps to control blood pressure and may fight depression. Bananas also contain tryptophan, a mood-lifter, and, because of their three natural sugars -- sucrose, glucose and fructose -- give an instant boost to flagging energy levels.

Read more: http://www.thirdage.com/nutrition/10-foods-lift-your-mood/bananas#ixzz14hnbtkKS

Water

OK, since you don't eat it, it's not really a "food," but what you drink can also affect your disposition. Approximately 85 percent of brain tissue is made up of water, so it's no wonder that studies have linked depression to dehydration. Be sure to get your eight glasses of water a day.

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