Does Eating Bananas Improve Your Mood?
Serotonin is a naturally-occurring neurotransmitter (a type of chemical that sends messages between neurons in the brain). The body can make serotonin on its own, but sometimes not in the amount we need to function optimally. Many of the foods we eat naturally contain serotonin. Is it based in fact?
Bananas: Serotonin Superfood?
The serotonin found in bananas doesn’t cross the blood-brain barrier, meaning it can’t get into the brain to supplement the serotonin that’s naturally produced by the body.
- However, research indicates that bananas may play a more indirect role by shoring up the amount of serotonin the brain is able to produce.
- The body needs other nutrients to properly make and use serotonin, including vitamin B6, which is an especially rich source of this vitamin.
Other Mood-Boosting Foods
Other foods rich in serotonin and vitamin B6 include: beef liver, yellowfin tuna, salmon, and chicken breast
- Carbohydrate sources include fortified cereals and potatoes
- Several B6-rich foods also contain serotonin such as fish and poultry
- Turkey also contains another key nutrient for mood: tryptophan
- Along with bananas, turkey, and chickpeas, there are many other foods that are natural sources of serotonin, as well as the other key nutrients the body needs to produce the neurotransmitter such as: oily, fatty fish, nuts and seeds, beans, fresh produce, fermented foods, and probiotic/fermented foods
A Word From Verywell
Research shows that diet changes to support healthy bodily function and mood may be one aspect of a successful treatment plan for depression.
- It’s best to ensure you have the support of your doctor, as well as others such as a registered dietician and therapist, to ensure that all of your nutritional and mental health needs are being met.
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