Top 5 nutritious foods to avert the winter blues and elevate mood

The short and dark days of winter bring an air of melancholy, leaving everyone with little to no motivation to get out of bed.

To counter these effects and uplift moods, add these nutrient-dense foods and enjoy winters to the fullest.

1. Fish:

Fish is an essential source of Omega-3 fatty acids, responsible for the production of dopamine and serotonin (mood-enhancing hormones), and a healthy intake of fish will improve the brain’s emotional regulation. Additionally, tuna has Vitamin D that comes in handy when people live in places with low sun exposure, especially during winters.

2. Leafy Green Vegetables:

Popeye wasn’t pretending when he said spinach gave him strength. Leafy greens are packed with magnesium, calcium, and potassium to regulate stress and the sleep cycle, not to mention folate works alongside to reduce depressive symptoms.

3. Nuts:

Replace munch time with healthy nuts, to get a burst of Omega-3 Fatty acids and magnesium. Whether that be walnuts, almonds, or pecans because these nuts can accelerate the production of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters and offer positive mood-altering effects.

4. Fresh fruits and Berries:

Citrus fruits like lime and oranges can be a personal 'Sun' in winter, just as bananas are the granola bars of the fruit world.

Bananas are filled with vitamins, potassium, fiber, iron, protein, and carbohydrates. The same is true for berries as well because they are loaded with anti-oxidants to keep the mind fresh and happy.

5. Dark Chocolate:

A superfood that is often regarded as unhealthy, dark chocolates shower people with a load of feel-good compounds such as endorphins to improve mood.

Adding these nutrients to one's diet can help tackle winter blues and boost energy as well as moods, from the inside out.