Food to lift your mood

The maxim ‘you are what you eat’ takes on new meaning when we consider how our diet affects our emotions. Peta Bee looks at how scientific research supports this belief.

WHAT makes you happy? Scientists say it could be the food and drinks you consume on a daily basis. Eat the right things and you really can prime your brain to remain positive and even ward off depression. Latest good mood foods range from a daily cuppa to curry and from yoghurt to porridge.

A recent study led by scientists from Kings College London and published in the journal Biological Psychiatry confirmed that the omega-3 fatty acids found in mackerel, sardines and other oily fish can leave you less likely to get depressed. But can your diet really make that much difference to your state of mind?