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The effect of diet is not only limited to physical health and wellness; it also affects mental well-being. It even has an immediate effect on a person's mood, which is why some quickly get "hangry."

In a study from 2020, researchers found that poor nutrition can lead to depression, anxiety and aggression, but having a healthy diet can help improve mental health. Here are some types of food that can help boost a person's mood, according to science.

Lactobacillus in yogurt and other fermented products

Lactobacillus, the bacteria found in fermented products, like yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut, is known to improve gut health. To add to that advantage, researchers also found that it can trigger responses that help produce some feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. It then boosts a person's mood and helps fight stress. 

Vitamin B6 in bananas

Like yogurt, bananas also help boost a person's mood. Not only does it contain prebiotic fibers that help promote gut health, but it is also rich in Vitamin B6 that helps in the production of serotonin. The Vitamin B6 in bananas is enough to cover about 33 percent of the daily recommended value.

L-tyrosine in cottage cheese

The L-tyrosine found in several products like soy products, fish, nuts, seeds and avocados is good for the production of both dopamine and noradrenaline that boost a person's mood. However, the amount of L-tyrosine is much greater than other sources. It is also high in casein, an essential protein for the production of other mood-promoting hormones. Some studies even indicate that selenium, which is also found in cottage cheese, could indicate lower depressive symptoms.