Mood Boosters Straight From Your Garden

Being outside gardening, exercising or simply taking a stroll can be great for boosting your mood but did you know that there are certain foods that can also give you that much needed boost? No we're not referring to a packet of chips or a bar of chocolate, we're talking about beautiful healthy produce!

Whether or not you grow your own or purchase them from a store, try including some of the below vegetables, herbs and even flowers into your lifestyle:

Berries – such as blueberries, strawberries and raspberries are all rich in antioxidants and vitamin C which can help combat stress.

Broccoli – Broccoli is a great snack as it is packed full of iron which helps carry oxygen through your blood system which then helps to fuel your brain and enhance your mood.

Capsicum – red capsicums are packed full of minerals like iron, potassium and magnesium and also have enough fibre to fuel tired brains.

Corn – Corn is not only tasty but is packed full of vitamin B which is perfect to reduce anger and helps you relax.

Fennel – if you are feeling a little irritable try having a salad with fennel in it. Fennel is a complex carbohydrate that helps supply a steady supply of glucose to the body which in turn prevents mood swings.

Kale – Kale has anti-inflammatory properties which can help you feel less bloated or agitated.

Lavender – Lavender is a very calming scent. Freshly picked lavender is great to have around the house, especially next to your bed as the aroma will help you to relax after a hard day.

Okra – Okra is rich in calcium and can help make you more alert and help fight that lethargic feeling.

Oregano – Oregano is an easy to grow herb and can be used to help combat colds, fever and pain.

Silverbeet (or Swiss Chard) – Silverbeet is full of magnesium, which is known to boost your energy levels. It is also great at helping to build up your immune system.

Spinach – green leafy vegetables like spinach are high in folate, vitamin B6 and magnesium which are prefect mood boosters. Mix together a ‘green’ smoothie the next time you need a little pick me up.

Sunflowers – just looking at a beautiful sunflower in your garden will brighten your mood but eating just one handful of sunflower seeds will give you half your daily recommended amount of magnesium which will help increase energy levels.

Tomatoes – Tomatoes are full of potassium which will help control your heart rate, they also contain mood boosting vitamin B and calcium.

Why not try incorporating these vegetables, herbs and flowers into your garden and your meals to help improve your mood. As well as eating these mood boosters, remember to eat a Rainbow of colours to help improve your overall health.