Top 8 Mood-Boosting Snacks

Stress, your body’s response to your environment, can be one of the biggest factors on your mood. When you’re in a high-stress situation or need extra concentration, there are some snacks you can eat to help focus and de-stress.

When it comes to mood-boosting snacks, fats are your friends. Our brains are made of around 40% fat, and we need an adequate supply of it to maintain good health. Keep in mind though, these are unsaturated fats, not unhealthy trans fats. Luckily these fats can be easily found in nuts and seeds.

Top 8 Mood-Boosting Snacks

Pistachios

Pistachios can reduce vascular stress. They have a high healthy fat content, lots of fiber and plenty of antioxidants to keep blood vessels open and relaxed during stressful moments.

Cashews

Cashews are bursting with nutrients that can help reduce feelings of stress. They’re a good source of magnesium, which plays an important role in regulating the nervous system and stabilizing energy. Cashews are an especially good source of zinc which helps since low levels of zinc have been linked to both anxiety and depression. Since our bodies have no way of storing zinc, it’s important to get some every day in your diet. Cashews are also abundant in vitamin B6, which helps produce serotonin, a lack of which can affect your mood.

Seeds

Though they may be small, they are mighty. Seeds are full of healthy and stress reducing benefits. Pumpkin Seeds are packed with nutrients such as proteins, amino acids, minerals, fibers, vitamins and complex carbohydrates along with your daily recommended amount of zinc, which is vital for increasing brainpower by enhancing memory and focus. Sunflower seeds are full of tryptophan, an amino acid that helps to produce serotonin and melatonin which help influence sleep and mood. Also consider chia or hemp seeds since they’re high in protein and omega-3s which help your energy and focus.