There is a total relationship between food and mood, since we are what we eat. If we are well nourished, without any imbalance or lack of any nutrient, and logically, without personal problems, we will be in a very good mood. We must take into account that diets can cause mood changes, for example, a hypocaloric or hyperproteic diet can cause mood disorders due to a lack of nutrients that are not ingested. In this sense, the Mediterranean diet, which is the one we have, is perfect and maintains a good mood.
Any food that produces an adequate level of nutrients is a good precursor of good mood, not only pasta (as it is often thought). If we eat something that we like a lot, it will produce a good mood and we can take anything, as long as we do it in a balanced way.
Influence of food on emotional state
Chocolate is said to be a good antidepressant because of the amount of an amino acid it contains, called tryptophan. Two ounces of pure dark chocolate 70% cocoa per day help prevent cardiovascular risk. Although this quality is not only found in chocolate, there are other similar foods such as nuts. For example, three nuts a day also reduce cardiovascular risk.
Cherries also have an antidepressant effect, which helps to alleviate depression because they are precursors, they contain anthocyanins. But not only cherries, but also blueberries and pomegranates, among others.
For anxiety, although there is the belief that there are foods that help to remedy it, there really is no specific food that calms us. But it is true that chocolate, for example, is like a reward for our brain, due to its organoleptic capacity. When eating chocolate, the bitter taste at the end is tryptophan, which is what benefits us and also “hooks” us.
In any case, from an emotional point of view, you should not eliminate any food, you have to eat everything and eat as varied as possible. Since it is necessary to have all the nutrients because that is what makes you healthy. Sometimes, you can have serotonin, but if you lack vitamin B, you will not be well emotionally or health-wise.