10 foods that make you happy

Feeling down in the dumps? Certain foods can improve your mood by providing needed nutrients or changing your brain chemistry. Eating these "happy" foods can give your mood a boost. These are some scientifically accurate foods that will instantly make you forget all your problems and bring a smile to your face.

1. Dark Chocolate

Chocolate is the classic ‘happy food.’ Eating some of the best tasting chocolate in the world can have many benefits, and not just mental health ones. It causes the brain to release endorphins, which create a sense of ‘euphoria’ or a state of instant happiness and self confidence. It can actually lower your blood pressure, and it’s good for heart health. Chocolate also contains phenethylamine, another chemical that can make you happy.

Salmon is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can be used to treat clinical depression, anxiety or mood swings and can improve concentration and boost your memory. In one study, they have helped reduce the anxiety experienced by medical students. Vegetarian sources of omega-3s include walnuts and flaxseed, which have the same end result as that of salmon.  Our bodies can't produce their own DHA, and people with low DHA are more prone to depression. Omega-3 fatty acid helps in production of DNA.

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3. Spinach

Popeye the sailor man has taught us that spinach makes you strong, but it not only does that, but also makes you happier by aiding serotonin production. Two components present in spinach play a huge role in boosting your mood to keep you from becoming depressed: folic acid and magnesium. Consume at least two cups of spinach to satisfy your daily folic acid needs and you'll stay focused and concentrated all day long with a good mood. 

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4. Chicken

Chicken is rich in selenium. Selenium supplementation improves mild and moderate depression. Previous studies have also reported an association between low selenium intakes and poorer moods. Skinless chicken offers lean protein, which can help you maintain a healthy weight and increase your lean muscle mass. It is also a good source of B vitamins. This vitamin also helps create dopamine, a mood neurotransmitter that may reduce PMS symptoms.

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5. Tofu

Tofu is a soy-based product, which is rich in protein and brilliant for vegetarians. The amino acids present in tofu are essential for boosting dopamine levels in the brain. The ingredients found in tofu help your muscles relax.

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6. Avocado

Avocados can balance hormones, boost metabolism and fight diseases. Most people don’t know that avocados have powerful anti-aging properties contained in both the flesh and the oil. Avocado based products work wonders on your skin, hair and nails. Avocado also prevents high cholesterol levels.

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7. Yogurt 

Yogurt can literally help you smile. Despite its sugar content, yogurt doesn't cause cavities. The lactic acid in yogurt appears to give your gums protection as well. Other then that, yogurt contains probiotics. Probiotics are "friendly bacteria" that are naturally present in the digestive system. Live strains of these "good bacteria" are also found in many yogurt products. Probiotics can help boost the immune system and promote a healthy digestive tract. Yogert is also a milk product, and milk contains tryptophan, which helps your mind produce the natural antidepressant seratonin. It contains whey protein, which decreases anxiety, and calcium, which relaxes your muscles.

8. Green Tea

A new study from Japan has found that daily supplements of L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea, may help people with anxiety also focus on their daily activities. L-theanine may help reduce stress, promote relaxation and improve the quality of sleep. In addition to reducing stress and promoting relaxation, other health benefits associated with L-theanine include brain protective effects, and improved attention.

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9. Berries

Strawberries contain vitamin C. Vitamin C aids in endorphin production. They also contain potassium, which helps nerve impulses, and pelargonidin, which helps boost your mood. Blueberries and blackberries contain purple pigment called anthocyanin, which, aside from being a heart-healthy antioxidant, is also a mood enhancer.

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9. Eggs 

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