The best foods to boost your mood

All foods have different properties and benefits - and central to Ayurveda is the understanding that we should eat foods that nourish and heal us. Many foods can boost your mood and improve your brain function so incorporate more of these into your diet for a more healthy mind. 

Fruits and vegetables. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day as different colours provide various nutrients. Top for mood boosting are bananas - high in B6 which synthesises happy hormones dopamine and serotonin, antioxidant-packed berries, and leafy greens as they are full of magnesium which combats anxiety.

Proteins contain amino acids which regulate serotonin. Ideally choose unprocessed, whole food proteins such as legumes and pulses - lentils, beans, peas, soybeans - nuts and seeds. You can also get protein from lean meats and fish.

Fermented foods such as kombucha, kefir, kimchi and yoghurt create probiotics which support the creation of healthy gut bacteria which in turn boosts serotonin.

Dark chocolate. The great news is that chocolate is good for you! It contains flavonoids which boost your brain function and antioxidant polyphenols which boosts mood.