Mealtime Magic: Feel Good Foods

Feeling blue? Sometimes your diet can help life your mood.

- Foods high in vitamin C - like peppers and oranges - can help inhibit the production of cortisol, a stress hormone.
- Certain nuts (especially raw and unpeeled walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts) can boost levels of serotonin, a hormone that helps you feel good. Serotonin also requires B vitamins, found in avocadoes, bananas, and potatoes, which also contain potassium (which can help lower blood pressure).
- Folate is a B vitamin needed to produce dopamine, associated with pleasure. Chickpeas, dried herbs, dark leafy greens, asparagus, and peanuts are all good sources. Dopamine also requires magnesium, found in green leafy vegetables, black beans, nuts, seeds, and unrefined grains.
- The Ohio State University found people who regularly consume foods with omega-3 fatty acids are less anxious than those who don't. You can find omega-3 fatty acids in fish and flaxseed oil.