Does chocolate cause acne? It's a question that many people ask because there are so many stories around it. There are theories that the sugar in milk or white chocolate is the problem, and some parents use the idea of fat in the ingredient causing acne to prevent children and teens eating so much.

Now it's time to look into the details to determine whether it is the case that chocolate causes acne. Here's your ultimate guide to giving you an idea of how this idea started and all the reasons for acne forming.

Why We Believe Chocolate Causes Acne

Where did this myth or thought process even start? As mentioned, it comes from parents telling children that the fat and sugars in the ingredient cause acne. According to Dr. Ava Shamban, the fat and sugars don’t quite cause it, but there are some links. The truth is there's no connection to fatty foods and acne, whether that includes burgers, fries or chocolate.

However, there is a connection in the sugar and fats and the body's responses afterwards. It wouldn't matter what type of food you ate. The body has an inflammatory response after eating high fat and high sugar foods. This inflammatory response can lead to acne being produced.

There isn't a way to say whether chocolate specifically causes acne. We just know that eating too much can lead to a problem. Having it in moderation should cause the acne response parents tells stories about.

It's also worth pointing out that sugar and fat also cause other problems in the body. Sugar is especially the problem, and can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

But why is it that chocolate has gained the bad reputation? This explains all about sugar and the effect on the body, but not about why chocolate is the item that so bad for us.

Some of this will depend on the type of chocolate that you eat. Dark chocolate comes in almost its original form. There are very few additives and a little sugar added to the mix. The dairy content is also minimal. This helps by keeping the sugar reaction down within the body, so there is not the same inflammatory response.

Dark chocolate is also beneficial to the health in some instances. It has been linked to reducing heart disease and helping to eliminate cravings. It can help improve the look of the skin. There are also high antioxidant contents in dark chocolate, helping to boost the immune system and fight off cancer.

Of course, this is all in moderation! Eating a bar of chocolate a day isn't going to do the body much good. Two small squares are just enough. The good thing about dark chocolate is that the cocoa amount will be high enough to prevent many people from overeating it.

The issue comes with milk and white chocolate, as we've already mentioned. There are more sugar and milk added to the cocoa, leading to more hormonal changes. Some people will see these hormonal changes, which is very common in people who are already prone to acne.

Some people also have intolerances to dairy and sugar, especially the former. If you're one of those, you'll find that milk and white chocolate can also cause stomach cramps and other digestive problems. It's worth sticking with the darker varieties.

Still, Why Does Chocolate Get a Bad Reputation?

This doesn't explain why chocolate has gained such a bad reputation. Why do we believe the myth that chocolate causes acne?

The truth is that stories get passed down from generation to generation. Younger children will believe everything their parents say, and some won't question the myths later in life.

There's also a connection between chocolate and obesity. If overeating chocolate can contribute to obesity, why can't it contribute to acne, too? It makes sense, right?

It does, and it doesn't help that as children start to eat more chocolate, they start to break out. This is often because they're getting to the age where their hormones are changing dramatically, and they end up suffering from acne anyway. We just have the misconception that the extra chocolate, sweets, and fatty foods have caused it.

But didn't a study by Henri Mondor Hospital find a link between chocolate and acne in teenagers? Surely that is conclusive enough to show that there is a connection.

While it did, there were many limitations to this study. The biggest limitation was the lack of information about the diets of the individuals used in the study. Anything high in fat or sugar can lead to the same hormonal responses that cause inflammation. It is likely that the teenagers' diets were full of all, and not just chocolate. Without knowing, how do we know it was the chocolate that caused the acne?

There was also little information on the natural hormonal responses without taking sugar and fat into account. Some people are naturally more likely to suffer from acne than others.

How Exactly Is Acne Formed?

With all this about chocolate, hormones, and acne, it's worth looking into the truth about how acne is formed. Just what exactly causes it? Why do some people suffer from it more than others?

Acne is linked to hormones. It's why most people start to get it when they hit their teenage years and why it evens out in early adulthood. Women who are pregnant are also more prone to suffering from it, due to other hormonal changes.

The body doesn't know how to deal with the hormonal changes, and it will start to produce the inflammatory responses we've already mentioned. This leads to more sebum being produced, and the pores will become blocked. When they do become blocked, the bacteria forms and the acne is produced.

If it's that time of the month for you, you'll also find you're more prone to breakouts. At the same time, you'll find that craving chocolate is more common, and there's the myth that your chocolate cravings are causing the acne. The truth is the hormonal changes at this time of the month--your estrogen levels dip--lead to both the chocolate cravings and the acne.

Unfortunately, there's little you can do about the natural hormonal responses. All you can do is work on protecting your skin from blocked pores and acne production. How do you do that? Here are a few tips to help you manage it all.

Keep your face washed and clean

It's the blocked pores that cause the acne. They can be blocked by absolutely anything, including dirt, natural oils, and dead skin cells. Keeping your skin protected from these is a definite must.

You don't need to go through a big cleansing routine. Start with exfoliating to open up all the pores, so you get all the bacteria out. How often you need to do this will depend on your skin type and time of the month. Younger teens with more excessive hormonal responses may find that exfoliating more commonly will help to limit the acne response.

After exfoliating, you'll need to cleanse and then moisturise. Protect your pores from blocking with oil and dirt by using a face friendly moisturising cream. Remember, you'll need to wash this off at the end of the day to help cleanse your pores again and prevent the bacteria build up.

Washing your face night and the day will help to keep your pores clean. If you have excessively oily skin, you sweat excessively, or you've been working out, you'll find that washing more regularly will help. You don't want to keep exfoliating, though! This just irritates the skin and can lead to other problems.

Don’t use as much makeup

Limit the amount of makeup you use, as this will just block the pores, too. When you do wear makeup, remove it before you go to sleep. The last thing you want is for it to get deep into your pores.

If you wear makeup on a regular basis, make sure you get some that will protect your skin. You can find primers and protective foundations that will help to keep the pores free from oils and dirt. Tinted moisturisers could be the perfect option for your needs, and come in a variety of shades to suit your needs.

It’s also important to look out for makeup that is oil free, whether you’re using primers, foundations or concealers. They will prevent the excess blocking of the pores, limiting the number of bacteria that is allowed to form within the pores. You’ll find less acne on a daily basis, whether your body naturally produces it or not.

Follow a healthily and balanced diet

While chocolate doesn't cause acne, it can contribute to the hormonal response. This is the same with anything that is high in fat or sugar. This is why following a healthy and balanced diet is good for your skin.

Focus more on fruits and vegetables, as they are full of healing nutrients that will help to keep the skin clear and moisturised. They also have higher water contents to keep the hydration.

When you do want chocolate--or anything that may cause the hormonal responses--you'll want to keep them in moderation. Don't ban yourself from eating anything, because you'll just end up binging! If you want chocolate, try to stick to the darker options, as they have less sugar and dairy contents to help prevent the hormonal responses and the other digestive problems associated with them.

Know your body

Over time, you'll get to understand your body more. We're all different, and some foods will create more of a problem than others.

You'll find the foods that cause more of a hormonal response than others. You'll get a better idea of the time of the month that you see breakouts occurring, and things you can do to limit making the breakouts worse. You'll find a cleansing routine that works best for you.

Watch out for hydrogenated oils, white flour and anything else that is linked to inflammatory responses. They are more likely to make your breakouts worse, but they don't exactly cause them.

Think about what you’re putting in your hair

It may surprise you to hear that what you put in your hair can also cause acne. Products can dry out the scalp, so it will try to get oils from elsewhere in the body. This can lead to dryness elsewhere in the skin.

Some products can also create inflammation and cause hormonal changes. Watch out for any hair products that contain soap, and make sure it is right for your hair and scalp type. There are products for dry, damaged, oily, coloured, and normal hair.

Stop touching your face

This is one of the most common reasons for acne, more than what you eat. When you touch your face, you put more oils and dirt from your hands across the top of your pores. These then get into the pores, and you’re left with blockages for bacteria to grow.

It’s time to keep your hands away from your face. Use a tissue for wiping your nose, and look out for serviettes when you need to wipe up any food that has spilt, even if it is a little bit.

Stay away from the sun

It’s not just what you eat or your body’s natural cycles that will cause sebum level increases. The sun will also cause it, so you’ll want to avoid the UV rays as much as possible. Depending on where you live, this isn’t going to be that easy.

The UV rays cause extra inflammation and redness. Your pores will become blocked much quicker. It also doesn’t help that the heat leads to extra sweating, which will also block your pores. The rays are also linked to skin cancer and other skin conditions.

If you really can’t avoid the sun, look out for sun cream that is at least SPF 50. This will help to protect the skin from as much damage as possible. You can also buy tinted sun creams to help limit the amount of makeup that you use on your face. Look out for oil free sun creams. It doesn’t matter which brand you use, as long as you follow the rules already mentioned.

Apply your sun cream at least 30 minutes before you leave. This gives it a chance to work through into your skin to offer the protection. Reapply it throughout the day. Even those 12-24 hour options and waterproof types will wear off over time. Reapply every few hours to keep your protection up.

When you are out, think about the time of the day. The hours between 11 am, and 2 pm tend to be the worst. This is the highest part of the day, and will include more harmful UV rays. If you can, avoid being out. Of course, if this is the only time you’re going to get the sun, being out for 15 minutes or so is good for you for your vitamin D allowance. That being said, only 15 minutes is needed to get your daily vitamin D intake from the sun; it is that easy!

Watch the stress

There are some studies that show stress leads to pimples. Some extra research into this is still needed, but the belief by researchers is that the stress leads to hormonal changes. These work in similar ways to how sugar and fat can cause extra sebum to be created.

Reducing your stress levels is good for you anyway. You’ll not only find that you could have less acne, but that you get fewer headaches and find it much easier to sleep. Less stress will also help to limit the risk of various health complications.

You can limit stress in a variety of ways. Meditation is one of the most popular, along with breathing techniques and having a positive mental attitude. Try not to worry about things that you can’t change, and take action when you can change things promptly.

Conclusion: Does Chocolate Cause Acne?

In short, eating chocolate isn't going to cause acne. It's the common myth that parents tell children to prevent them from overindulging.

There are some studies that link the two, but there are limitations to them. The truth is that it's the sugar and fat content that lead to hormonal responses. It's these responses that lead to inflammation, blocked pores, and acne.

Unfortunately, everyone can suffer from acne over time. We all have different hormonal responses, and we can suffer from them at different ages, depending on our bodies and our genetic makeups. Some people will be more prone because of their genes, while some teenagers and adults can avoid it all completely.

You can limit your chances of acne by eating less chocolate and sticking to a healthy diet, but you're not going to stop acne forming completely.

While chocolate doesn't cause acne, it can still lead to obesity, and there are other health problems linked to it. Dark chocolate is certainly the best out of the three types and looks for those with a higher cocoa content. You'll soon find your skin and overall health thanks you for the choice, especially when you join that with eating in moderation.

Now that we have established the fact that chocolates don't cause acne, it doesn't mean that you can splurge into a chocolate binge right now. Keep in mind that while it's not the main cause of acne, it can still contribute just by affecting the balance of your diet. It is best to keep chocolates as treats once in a while and not part of your everyday diet.

Chocolate, the food of the Gods, has become one of the most popular food types and flavors in the world. Various foodstuffs involving chocolate are being created and relished by people all over the world.

Chocolate has been enjoyed as a drink in all of its history. The Mayans were drinking chocolate around 400 AD. The Aztecs considered chocolate a luxury and the cacao beans was used as currency. The Aztecs paid 100 cacao beans for one turkey and three beans for one fresh avocado. Interesting isn’t?

The European adaptation of chocolate brought with it a thriving slave market. The modern era of chocolate was born when Coenraad van Houten created a press which made chocolate cheaper and consistent in quality.

With a grand heritage chocolate continues its march without any competitor into a glorious future.

Types Of Chocolate

Chocolate is classified according to the proportion of cocoa used in a particular formulation. The different forms of chocolate are produced by varying the amounts of different ingredients. The different flavors are obtained by varying the time and temperature by roasting the beans.

Given the many versions of chocolate in the market, you will be pretty confused as to choose which one is the healthiest of all.

Well, the answer is dark chocolate. Dark chocolate contains a minimum of 35% nonfat chocolate liquor and has more antioxidants and flavonoids than other types of chocolate.

Flavonoids are phytochemicals with the capacity to maintain cardiovascular health. Antioxidants are important for healthy cells and strong immune systems. Milk chocolate contains at least 12% whole milk and therefore has greater fat content than dark chocolate. It has got 2-4 times fewer antioxidants and flavonoids when compared to dark chocolate.

How to make dark chocolate at home?

You can easily prepare dark chocolate at home. Just follow the instructions below, and taste delicious bars of dark chocolate. This recipe is an ode to your good health.

The health benefits of eating dark chocolate have been extolled for centuries. The mystery has been explained now by science. Researchers say that certain bacteria in the stomach gobble the chocolate and ferment it into anti-inflammatory compounds that are good for the heart.

According to the scientists, the good microbes such as lactic acid bacteria and Bifidobacterium feast on chocolate. They grow, ferment and produce anti-inflammatory compounds. The body absorbs these compounds which reduce the inflammation of cardiovascular tissue and the risk of stroke.

Dark chocolates contain antioxidants such as catechin and epicatechin. These large polyphenolic polymers are metabolized into smaller molecules by the bacteria in the colon. The fermented molecules exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.

The researchers noted that combining the fiber with probiotics improves a person’s overall health. This combination enhances the conversion of polyphenolics in the stomach into anti-inflammatory compounds.

Scientists say you can enjoy dark chocolate benefits if you eat it along with pomegranates and acai.

Reasons why you should eat more chocolate

1. Chocolate Boosts Brain Power

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University of Nottingham scientists has found that eating chocolate could sharpen up the mind. The sweet treats give a short-term boost to cognitive skills.

Consumption of a cocoa drink which is rich in flavanols, the main ingredient of dark chocolate boosts blood flow to the key areas of the brain for 2 to 3 hours. The increased blood flow peps up the performance in certain tasks. It also boosts general alertness for a short period.

The researchers used magnetic resonance imaging to detect increased activity in specific areas of the brain in individuals, who had consumed a single drink of flavanol-rich cocoa.

Scientists say that flavanols in chocolate could be useful in enhancing the brain function of people fighting sleep deprivation, fatigue and even the effects of aging.

Harvard researchers have found that a daily dose of sweet treat especially chocolate protects against Alzheimer’s disease.

2. Chocolates For Your Heart

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Relishing up to 100 grams of chocolate on a daily basis lowers heart disease and stroke risk. How good is that?

According to a research study published online in the Journal Heart, researchers say higher chocolate consumption was associated with lower weight and younger age, waist: hip ratio, inflammatory proteins, systolic blood pressure, diabetes and more regular physical activity.

The researchers say milk chocolate other than flavonols also contain calcium and fatty acids, and this could play a beneficial role in the heart health.

A team of researchers from Melbourne, Australia used a mathematical model for predicting long-term effect of daily dark chocolate consumption. They say that daily consumption of dark chocolate can reduce cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes in people with metabolic syndrome.

The blood pressure and cholesterol lowering effects of plain dark chocolate greatly improve cardiovascular health. Eating dark chocolate lowers LDL (bad cholesterol) and total cholesterol according to a meta-analysis published in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition

The high cocoa polyphenol rich chocolate is effective at increasing HDL (good cholesterol) in patients with Type 2 diabetes. The flavonoids found in chocolate has been found to lower LDL cholesterol levels. It exerts a protective effect against coronary heart disease.

One-third of fat found in chocolate is stearic acid. Though it is a saturated fat, it exerts a neutral effect on cholesterol levels. It neither raises nor reduces the cholesterol levels.

Dark chocolate contains some powerful antioxidants that enter the bloodstream and protect lipoproteins against oxidative damage.

3. Boosts Athletic Performance

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Dark chocolate could give sports persons an extra edge in their workouts. Dark chocolate contains a substance called epicatechin, a flavanol found in the cacao bean. It increases nitric oxide production in the body.

Epicatechin prompts the cells that line the blood vessels to release extra nitric oxide. This substance has multiple effects in the body. Nitric oxide widens the veins and arteries and thus improves blood flow and cardiac function. It gooses the cells to take in more blood sugar, provides them with more energy and enhances the passage of oxygen into the cells.

Nitric oxide dilates blood vessels and reduces oxygen consumption. This action allows the athletes to go further for longer. Cyclists were given 40g of dark chocolate as a snack before their exercise. The control group was given 40g of white chocolate.

The scientists found that after eating dark chocolate, cyclists used less oxygen when cycling at a moderate speed. They covered more distance in a two minute flat out of time trial.

4. Chocolate Lowers Blood Pressure

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The link between blood pressure and cocoa consumption was found by researchers in 1944 when they were looking at blood pressure levels of Kuna Indians, a tribe living off the coast of Panama. These people drank 3-4 cups of cacao a day.

Scientists say small amounts of dark chocolate can efficiently reduce blood pressure. The flavanols in dark chocolate stimulate the endothelium, the lining of the arteries to produce the gas nitric oxide.

The nitric oxide sends signals to the arteries to relax. The resistance to blood flow is lowered therefore the blood pressure is reduced.

5. Best Superfood For Weight Loss

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Good quality dark chocolate provides a portion of the same healthy benefits of most leafy green vegetables. The flavonoids in dark chocolate help reduce insulin resistance and prevents spikes in blood sugar levels which prevent you from overeating.

Dark chocolate has an impressive impact on how the body synergizes fatty acids. Thus, it reduces the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, increasing the feeling of fullness, according to a study performed at Queen Margaret University. Choose a dark chocolate that contains at least 70% cacao.

Insulin, ghrelin, and leptin are the three hormones that control appetite. Insulin controls the transfer of blood sugar, and Ghrelin increases your appetite. A Netherlands research study showed dark chocolate decreased insulin resistance and lowered the levels of ghrelin. In this way, dark chocolate controls the appetite.

The polyphenols in dark chocolate enhance your sense of well-being. The anti-inflammatory compounds in chocolate along with the generous supply of magnesium encourage you to exercise.

6. Chocolate Reduces Stress

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Dark chocolate may lower the levels of stress hormones. Researchers found that eating 1.4 ounces of dark chocolate on a daily basis for two weeks reduced the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. It also decreased the fight or flight hormones known as catecholamines in people who are highly stressed.

The study results showed that eating dark chocolate daily reduced stress hormone levels in high-anxiety individuals. Researchers say that dark chocolate improved metabolism and had beneficial effects on the microbial activity in the gut.

A research study examined 31men consuming dark chocolate and 34 men consuming a placebo chocolate under stressful conditions. Those men consuming dark chocolate had lower levels of epinephrine and cortisol after the stress. Although their brain response to stress was similar to the control group, the body’s response to brain signals was blunted. This aspect greatly improves the heart health.

7. Chocolate Boosts Fertility

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Chocolate contains flavonoids and arginine which elevates your mood and promotes blood flow to the uterus, specifically to the ovaries. Science says that the mere smell of chocolates can increase the brain’s theta waves. These waves help you to relax. Relaxing helps you to get through the stresses of infertility.

Dark chocolate contains high amounts of resveratrol which is good for the egg quality. It contains magnesium which alleviates menstrual symptoms including cramps, water retention, depression, fatigue, and irritability.

Dark chocolate boosts the sperm health. It contains nutrients such as phenylethylamine and theobromine which enhances fertility.

Finnish researchers report that chocolate reduced stress in pregnant mothers. Their babies smiled more often than non- chocolate eating parents.

8. Chocolates Good For Visual Performance

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Researchers in England conducted a study, where half the participants ate dark chocolate, and the other half white chocolate. Those who received dark chocolate performed better in vision tests- better than before the tests and other participants who ate white chocolate.

Cocoa improved the detection of motion and the reading of low contrast letters. Researchers say increased blood flow to retina and brain explains this. Dark chocolate contains high concentrations of flavonoids. These flavonoids can greatly enhance the blood flow to the brain and the retina of the eye.

Dark chocolate is rich in copper, and it prevents damage to the optic nerves. Along with the carrots eat chocolates for healthy eyes.

Conclusion

Lots of chocolate on the market is crap. You need to choose organic, dark chocolate with 70% or higher cocoa content. Remember the darker the chocolate, the lower the sugar content. You can enjoy a square or two after dinner and savor them.

Now that you know that chocolates have health benefits, you should keep in mind that you should still eat it in moderation. Anything excessive can have side effects, though that has not been proven about dark chocolates.

What is it about food that makes us so happy?

There's something amazing about a nice meal, whether with friends, family or that special someone in your life!

Time simply flies when you're eating with the right people.

The social aspect of meals plays a large role in the happiness. Studies have proven that social activity and interaction with others can help to reduce your risk of depression and boost your mood. Sitting around the table with people you like/love definitely will make you happier.

But did you know the food you eat can also make you happy?

There are a number of foods that can affect your mood positively, helping to drive away feelings of anxiety, stress, worry, and depression.

Here are twelve of the best foods with incredible mood-boosting benefits:

1. Chocolate

This one probably doesn't come as much of a surprise. After all, why else is chocolate one of those "comfort foods" we all crave when we're feeling blue? There has to be something about chocolate that's guaranteed to make you feel happy, right?

Chocolate contains compounds that are similar to valproic acid, a compound that is commonly found in mood stabilizing and anti-convulsant drugs. Dark chocolate (70 to 95% cocoa) can help to enhance your mood, putting you in a "positive mood state"--according to a 2013 study in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.

However, be warned: researchers from the UCSD found that people who eat a lot of chocolate tend to increase your risk of depression. Stick with no more than 1.4 ounces of dark chocolate per day!

2. Turkey

When you think of turkey, no doubt you immediately picture a Thanksgiving dinner with your whole family. There's something amazing about sitting around a table, giving thanks to all the important people in your life.

Perhaps turkey is the reason you feel so good at Thanksgiving…

Turkey is one of the best natural sources of tryptophan, a chemical that is used by your brain to produce serotonin. Serotonin is the "feel good" neurochemical that stabilizes and controls your mood. Getting more tryptophan is the key to raising your serotonin levels, meaning you feel better.

Don't keep turkey only for your Thanksgiving dinner, but eat it on a regular basis to improve your mood. You'll feel happier after a big turkey meal, and you'll find that you sleep a lot better as well (tryptophan helps you to sleep).

3. Carbs

Have you ever stopped to look at the common ingredient in just about every single "comfort food" on the planet? From the fairy bread of Australia to the treacle pudding of Britain to American apple pie, almost all comfort food contains carbohydrates--either in the form of a grain of some sort (wheat, rice, oats, etc.) or sugar.

Make no mistake: comfort food is usually NOT healthy. It tends to be high in both calories and carbs, which can increase your waistline.

That being said, carbs are some of the best food to help boost your mood. In the Archives of Internal Medicine, a study was published that detailed how people on a low-carb diet are more irritable and more prone to negative emotions: anger, depression, confusion, and hostility. Those on a low-fat diet tended to have a more positive mood.

Why is this? It's believed carbs are needed for the production of serotonin, which improves your mood and makes you feel happier. If you're feeling a bit blue, have a slice of bread or a bowl of oatmeal!

4. Fish

The oilier, the better!

Fish is pound for pound, the healthiest protein on the planet. It contains a hefty dose of muscle-building amino acids, but it's also packed with minerals and healthy fatty acids. One of these fatty acids is Omega-3, which plays a vital role in mood and emotional states.

A 2006 paper in the American Journal of Psychiatry proved that an Omega-3 deficiency can be a "contributing factor" in mood disorders. It suggests that increasing Omega-3 intake could be a viable treatment for depression, anxiety disorders, and even for unipolar and bipolar depressive disorders!

Which fish should you be eating?

Salmon is the best source of Omega-3 fatty acids, but mackerel, herring, Bluefin tuna, sardines, and albacore are all good options.

If you want to feel better and happier, add more fatty fish to your diet!

5. Brazil Nuts

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All nuts are a good source of fatty acids (including Omega-3s), making them a useful addition to your diet. However, one specific type of nut stands out from the rest: Brazil nuts.

Brazil nuts are an epic source of selenium, a mineral linked to depression. In one study, men who didn't get enough selenium in their diet suffered from depressed moods. An extra-high intake of selenium won't necessarily make you feel better, but it can help to PREVENT bad moods, depression, and "the blues."

A single Brazil nut contains a whopping 160% of your daily recommended selenium intake. Just a few of the nuts can go a long way toward reducing your risk of depression and mood disorders.

Bonus: The high-fat content of Brazil nuts can help to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

6. High-Fiber Foods

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It may be a bit hard to believe, but there is actually a link between high-fiber foods and a better mood. How do you ask?

According to the journal Nutrition, one Canadian study found that a low-fiber, low saturated fat, and low Omega-3 diet was linked to an increased risk of suicide attempts. While it's a well-known fact that fatty acids can help to balance mood, it was surprising to discover that dietary fiber could have any effect on mood. Perhaps it's that fiber helps to balance out digestion, promoting healthy absorption of those important fats. Or, it may be that a diet rich in whole foods can help to protect you against depression--as a 2009 study indicated.

Either way, adding more high-fiber foods to your diet is the way to go! Not only will it help to improve your mood, but it can promote weight loss, reduced appetite, and fat burning. It can't hurt to try it!

7 Saffron

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Did you know that Saffron is the single most expensive spice in the world? It can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 per pound! That's a lot of money to pay, but once you taste the spice (used in Spanish paella), you can understand why it's so pricey.

One of the benefits of saffron is its ability to improve your mood. Saffron has historically been used to treat depression, and a 2007 study posted in a German medical journal provided the proof that saffron can have anti-depressive effects--both in vivo and in a number of pilot clinical studies.

Pricey it may be, but it's definitely worth consuming in order to improve your mood. The good news is that you only need to use a small amount of saffron to add flavor to your food, and even small doses can help you feel better.

8. Coconut

Coconut is one of the healthiest high-fat foods on the planet. Coconut oil is a highly popular "cure all" remedy, and it's a wonderful addition to your meals. Thanks to its high unsaturated fat content, it's a heart-smart oil that just tastes delightful.

But in this case, it's the SMELL of coconut that has the effect on your mood. In one 2010 study, the scent of coconuts helped to improve heart rate and heart period variability among those performing stressful tasks. Despite the stress, coconut oil helped to maintain a healthy blood pressure.

Feeling stressed and depressed at work? Get some coconut fragrance in your office or home, and you'll relax. No stress can get you when you've got the smell of coconut wafting through the air! Plus, your room will smell like a tropical beach. What's not to love?

9. Lentils

Lentils are a high-carb, high-fiber food, meaning they can help to improve your mood. However, they're also low in fat and rich in protein, making them--along with beans, garbanzos, and other legumes--some of the healthiest foods for you!

These little legumes also contain a wide range of polyphenols, antioxidants that can improve your mood. In Nutritional Neuroscience: An International Journal of Nutrition, Diet and Nervous System, a 2012 study examined the link between polyphenol consumption and better brain function. These antioxidants help to increase the plasticity of your brain synapses, improving overall function and increasing your brain's ability to produce neurochemicals--including serotonin.

If you want to have a happier, better-functioning brain, it's a good idea to eat polyphenol-rich foods. Lentils just happen to be one of the best!

10. Tea

There is an endless war for dominance between tea and coffee. Tea is the single most consumed beverage in the world, with coffee coming in somewhere after water and beer. Americans love their coffee, but perhaps the rest of the world has it right by drinking tea…

A 2008 article in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that it's the theanine in tea (black, green, and white tea) that helps to improve mood. The mixture of caffeine and theanine helped to not only improve heart rate and increase energy levels, but it also helped to relax subjects, dilate blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and even improve mood.

Want to feel better? Do as the British do and have a cup of tea! Add a bit of sugar to obtain the mood-boosting benefits of carbohydrates, and stir in some milk to add calcium (another mood-boosting nutrient) into your drink.

11. Oysters

Oysters: you either love their elegant sophistication or hate their slimy saltiness!

Whether you love or hate them, oysters are one of the best mood-boosting foods around. No, it has nothing to do with their flavor or texture, but it all comes down to one simple nutrient: zinc.

Zinc plays a vital role in your emotional health and mood. Low zinc levels in your blood are a contributing factor to depression, and getting more zinc in your life can have an anti-depressant effect. In one study, women who increased their zinc intake showed less hostility, were less angry, and were happier than women who did not.

Not an oyster fan? Here are a few more foods to try:

12. Dark Greens

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Dark, leafy greens like broccoli, chard, spinach, and arugula are all excellent foods to add to your diet. Thanks to their high-fiber content, they can reduce your appetite, prevent hunger pangs, and improve digestion. However, these foods also contain another vital nutrient: calcium.

Calcium plays a vital role in the absorption of fatty acids--like Omega-3s, which improve mood. Way back in 1994, a study was published that detailed the results of two experiments. Both proved that calcium supplementation helped to "greatly elevate mood" over the placebo.

It's believed that calcium deficiency is linked to PMS-related depression.

It's vital that you get enough calcium, no matter who you are. Calcium plays a role in fat burning, bone health, and brain function, as well as regulating your mood.

Yes, dark greens are the all-around healthiest sources of calcium. However, you can always get more from milk, yoghurt, cheese, and ricotta

The more calcium, the better!

Whichever you try, make sure that you're making ​yourself feel awesome (inside and out) in the process!

It really helps if you choose what you eat. Not only do these foods boost your mood, but it also greatly affects your overall disposition. It's great to know that you're keeping yourself healthy while projecting positive vibes.

Do you have any foods that we missed?

Let us know in the comments below!​

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