No one food in particular can cure all of your woes, but did you know that certain foods that make you happy?

We all know that diet has tremendous effects on both short- and long-term health, but we have also been taught that there is no “magic potion” for weight loss – that is, not one food in particular is going to help you get to your goal weight. There are actually foods that make you happy! Below, I will share a few food items that can help increase your energy, combat your allergies, brighten your mood, improve your skin and boost your brain power. Who knew?

Eggs
Eggs are an excellent source of protein, which is known to make people feel more alert and energetic. Eggs are also a great source of Vitamin D, which has also been linked to fighting depression. Eggs also contain mood-boosting Vitamin B.

Almonds
Almonds contain Zinc, which has been stufied to be a key nutrient for maintaining a balanced mood. Almonds also contain iron and healthy fats, which are both important pieces to a balanced diet.

Flaxseed oil
Flaxseed oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3’s are most commonly consumed in fish, such as salmon (below), but flaxseed oil is a wonderful alternative to those who do not eat fish.

Water
A study in the 2012 issue of the Journal of Nutrition found that mild dehydration causes pessimism and caused participants to have trouble concentrating. Aim for half of your body weight in ounces per day, and add more if you are super active.

Dark chocolate
Experts say that dark chocolate can reduce stress hormones. A study in the Journal of Proteome Research found that eating a 1.4 ounce service of dark chocolate has the power to lower the major stress hormones cortisol and catecholamines in the body. This can help reduce anxiety.

Swiss chard
Swiss chard is packed with magnesium, a nutrient essential for the biochemical reactions in the brain that boost your energy levels. Studies have shown that magnesium deficiency is a common condition among people diagnosed with clinical depression.

Asparagus
Asparagus is a wonderful source of folate, a B vitamin that can help fight depression. Low levels of folic acid have been linked to depression. Just one cup of this mood-boosting food contains over half of your daily value of folic acid.

Salmon
Salmon is a wonderful source of omega-3’s, which have been studied extensively for the prevention and treatment of clinical depression. According to the book The Depression Cure, there is also growing evidence that omega-3’s also help reduce anger and irritability.

Broccoli
In addition to being full of folic acid, the fiber in broccoli can help relieve digestive problems. We all know that digestive problems do not make us happy! Broccoli can help keep those problems at bay.

Do you regularly eat any of these foods in your diet? I’d love to hear how they help your mood.