FEELING BLUE? Snack your way to happiness with these 5 mood-boosting foods

MAY is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the many factors that influence our emotional well-being. While therapy, exercise and sleep are often in the spotlight, one significant factor is often overlooked: what we eat.

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

Numerous studies confirm that food is more than fuel for your body; it’s also a powerful tool for your mental health. The connection between diet and mood is undeniable, with certain nutrients, flavours, and even aromas playing a vital role in supporting emotional wellness.

The link between food and mood

Your diet has a direct impact on your brain, thanks to something called the gut-brain connection. This intricate system of communication between your gut and your brain means that what you eat influences neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood and emotions.

Recent research from the Journal of Health Psychology found that on days people ate more fruits and vegetables, they reported higher levels of happiness and mental well-being.