:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/mood-boosting-drinks-to-sip-GettyImages-2153723369-7392fb3b81d94ccdb1c609c399486ed9.jpg?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "7 Mood-Boosting Drinks That’ll Brighten Your Day, According to a Nutritionist")
Can you drink your way to a better mood? Not exactly, but there are certain nutrients in healthy beverages that can help give your mood a little boost. (And no, a glass of wine isn’t among them!)
So if you’re feeling the winter blues or experiencing a lot of stress right now, consider taking a sip of one of these nutritionist-approved, mood-enhancing drinks to help you feel a little better. (And bonus: Many of these mood-boosting nutrients can benefit your health in other ways, too.)
- Caroline Susie, RDN, LD, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Green Tea
Green tea is a superfood and is recommended for curing all kinds of ills, from improving immune response to helping you chill out. “Green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and reduces stress by increasing alpha brain wave activity,” Susie says. “It also contains a moderate amount of caffeine, which can improve alertness and mood.”
Golden Milk (aka, Turmeric Tea)
Turmeric has become a beloved wellness ingredient, touted for its health benefits—which regularly put it on the superfood lists. “Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help regulate serotonin and dopamine levels, potentially reducing symptoms of depression,” Susie says.
Kefir
This fermented yogurt-like drink can be a perfect little mood booster. “The gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in mood regulation,” Susie says. “Probiotic-rich drinks like kefir may enhance gut microbiota diversity, which is linked to improved mental health.”
Kombucha
Like kefir, kombucha is also a fermented drink that can boost your gut health—which can enhance your mental health, too.
Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa
Dark chocolate has been touted for many health benefits—and a cup of hot cocoa made with it can help you feel better. “Cocoa contains flavonoids, which improve blood flow to the brain and enhance cognitive function,” Susie says. “It also boosts serotonin levels, contributing to a better mood.”
Herbal Teas
For a caffeine-free hot beverage that’ll boost your mood, consider opting for chamomile, lavender, or peppermint tea, Susie suggests. “Herbal teas contain bioactive compounds that promote relaxation and reduce stress. Chamomile, in particular, has been studied for its anxiolytic effects.”
Coffee
There’s a reason you may start to crave coffee on those days when you need a little pick me up. And it’s the caffeine it contains. “Coffee’s caffeine content acts as a central nervous system stimulant, increasing dopamine and serotonin levels, which are linked to improved mood and mental alertness,” Susie says. In fact, a large study showed that moderate coffee drinking can reduce your risk of depression.
Don’t go overboard with your coffee consumption, as that can leave you feeling anxious and jittery.
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