🙂 Best foods for mood and normal psychological function
What to do — the quick answer
Tap any line for the reason, the evidence level and the source. The full step-by-step explanation follows below.
🥗 Eat more of
SalmonDiet linked to better mood · Normal psychological functionHow it helps your moodDiet linked to better mood: In a 12-week trial in adults with depression, a Mediterranean-style diet led to remission more often than social support alone. A small trial, used alongside usual treatment. PubMed study
Normal psychological function: These nutrients are authorised to contribute to normal psychological function. Food supports normal function; it does not treat depression. EUR-Lex
The evidenceTrials Mediterranean-style diet Step 1In a 12-week trial in adults with moderate to severe depression, a Mediterranean-style diet (whole grains, vegetables, fruit, legumes, fish, olive oil, unsalted nuts; fewer sweets, fried and processed foods) led to remission in 32 % vs 8 % with social support alone. A small trial (67 people), used alongside usual treatment. PubMed studyEU claim Normal mood function · 0.69 mg per portion Step 2All nutrients & evidence for salmon →“Vitamin B6 contributes to normal psychological function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
Wholemeal breadDiet linked to better moodHow it helps your moodIn a 12-week trial in adults with depression, a Mediterranean-style diet led to remission more often than social support alone. A small trial, used alongside usual treatment. PubMed study
The evidenceTrials Mediterranean-style diet Step 1All nutrients & evidence for wholemeal bread →In a 12-week trial in adults with moderate to severe depression, a Mediterranean-style diet (whole grains, vegetables, fruit, legumes, fish, olive oil, unsalted nuts; fewer sweets, fried and processed foods) led to remission in 32 % vs 8 % with social support alone. A small trial (67 people), used alongside usual treatment. PubMed study
BroccoliDiet linked to better moodHow it helps your moodIn a 12-week trial in adults with depression, a Mediterranean-style diet led to remission more often than social support alone. A small trial, used alongside usual treatment. PubMed study
The evidenceTrials Mediterranean-style diet Step 1All nutrients & evidence for broccoli →In a 12-week trial in adults with moderate to severe depression, a Mediterranean-style diet (whole grains, vegetables, fruit, legumes, fish, olive oil, unsalted nuts; fewer sweets, fried and processed foods) led to remission in 32 % vs 8 % with social support alone. A small trial (67 people), used alongside usual treatment. PubMed study
AppleDiet linked to better moodHow it helps your moodIn a 12-week trial in adults with depression, a Mediterranean-style diet led to remission more often than social support alone. A small trial, used alongside usual treatment. PubMed study
The evidenceTrials Mediterranean-style diet Step 1All nutrients & evidence for apple →In a 12-week trial in adults with moderate to severe depression, a Mediterranean-style diet (whole grains, vegetables, fruit, legumes, fish, olive oil, unsalted nuts; fewer sweets, fried and processed foods) led to remission in 32 % vs 8 % with social support alone. A small trial (67 people), used alongside usual treatment. PubMed study
Lentils, boiledDiet linked to better moodHow it helps your moodIn a 12-week trial in adults with depression, a Mediterranean-style diet led to remission more often than social support alone. A small trial, used alongside usual treatment. PubMed study
The evidenceTrials Mediterranean-style diet Step 1All nutrients & evidence for lentils, boiled →In a 12-week trial in adults with moderate to severe depression, a Mediterranean-style diet (whole grains, vegetables, fruit, legumes, fish, olive oil, unsalted nuts; fewer sweets, fried and processed foods) led to remission in 32 % vs 8 % with social support alone. A small trial (67 people), used alongside usual treatment. PubMed study
Olive oilDiet linked to better moodHow it helps your moodIn a 12-week trial in adults with depression, a Mediterranean-style diet led to remission more often than social support alone. A small trial, used alongside usual treatment. PubMed study
The evidenceTrials Mediterranean-style diet Step 1All nutrients & evidence for olive oil →In a 12-week trial in adults with moderate to severe depression, a Mediterranean-style diet (whole grains, vegetables, fruit, legumes, fish, olive oil, unsalted nuts; fewer sweets, fried and processed foods) led to remission in 32 % vs 8 % with social support alone. A small trial (67 people), used alongside usual treatment. PubMed study
WalnutsDiet linked to better moodHow it helps your moodIn a 12-week trial in adults with depression, a Mediterranean-style diet led to remission more often than social support alone. A small trial, used alongside usual treatment. PubMed study
The evidenceTrials Mediterranean-style diet Step 1All nutrients & evidence for walnuts →In a 12-week trial in adults with moderate to severe depression, a Mediterranean-style diet (whole grains, vegetables, fruit, legumes, fish, olive oil, unsalted nuts; fewer sweets, fried and processed foods) led to remission in 32 % vs 8 % with social support alone. A small trial (67 people), used alongside usual treatment. PubMed study
Tuna, canned, drainedNormal psychological functionHow it helps your moodThese nutrients are authorised to contribute to normal psychological function. Food supports normal function; it does not treat depression. EUR-Lex
The evidenceEU claim Normal mood function · 0.95 mg per portion Step 2All nutrients & evidence for tuna, canned, drained →“Vitamin B6 contributes to normal psychological function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
Turkey breast, skinlessNormal psychological functionHow it helps your moodThese nutrients are authorised to contribute to normal psychological function. Food supports normal function; it does not treat depression. EUR-Lex
The evidenceEU claim Normal mood function · 0.69 mg per portion Step 2All nutrients & evidence for turkey breast, skinless →“Vitamin B6 contributes to normal psychological function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
Sweet potatoNormal psychological functionHow it helps your moodThese nutrients are authorised to contribute to normal psychological function. Food supports normal function; it does not treat depression. EUR-Lex
The evidenceEU claim Normal mood function · 0.54 mg per portion Step 2All nutrients & evidence for sweet potato →“Vitamin B6 contributes to normal psychological function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
Eggs, boiledNormal psychological functionHow it helps your moodThese nutrients are authorised to contribute to normal psychological function. Food supports normal function; it does not treat depression. EUR-Lex
The evidenceEU claim Normal mood function · 2.4 µg per portion Step 2All nutrients & evidence for eggs, boiled →“Vitamin B12 contributes to normal psychological function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
KaleNormal psychological functionHow it helps your moodThese nutrients are authorised to contribute to normal psychological function. Food supports normal function; it does not treat depression. EUR-Lex
The evidenceEU claim Normal mood function · 187 µg per portion Step 2All nutrients & evidence for kale →“Folate contributes to normal psychological function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
AsparagusNormal psychological functionHow it helps your moodThese nutrients are authorised to contribute to normal psychological function. Food supports normal function; it does not treat depression. EUR-Lex
The evidenceEU claim Normal mood function · 182 µg per portion Step 2All nutrients & evidence for asparagus →“Folate contributes to normal psychological function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
Edamame (immature soya beans)Normal psychological functionHow it helps your moodThese nutrients are authorised to contribute to normal psychological function. Food supports normal function; it does not treat depression. EUR-Lex
The evidenceEU claim Normal mood function · 165 µg per portion Step 2All nutrients & evidence for edamame (immature soya beans) →“Folate contributes to normal psychological function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
🏃 Do
Walking, yoga or strengthTrials
Across 218 trials in people with depression, walking or jogging, yoga and strength training reduced symptoms most, more so at higher intensity. PubMed study
Evidence: EU claim EU-authorised claim · Official Official guidance · Trials Clinical trials · Study Population study · Review Scientific review
Turn this into my daily mood & psychological function plan → How it works, step by step ↓
What influences mood
Genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors all play a role in depression. Effective treatments exist. NIH NIMH
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Many factors together
Root cause: A mix of genes, biology, environment and life stress.
🥗 Eat
Wholemeal breadDiet linked to better moodHow it helps your moodIn a 12-week trial in adults with depression, a Mediterranean-style diet led to remission more often than social support alone. A small trial, used alongside usual treatment. PubMed study
The evidenceTrials Mediterranean-style dietAll nutrients & evidence for wholemeal bread →In a 12-week trial in adults with moderate to severe depression, a Mediterranean-style diet (whole grains, vegetables, fruit, legumes, fish, olive oil, unsalted nuts; fewer sweets, fried and processed foods) led to remission in 32 % vs 8 % with social support alone. A small trial (67 people), used alongside usual treatment. PubMed study
BroccoliDiet linked to better moodHow it helps your moodIn a 12-week trial in adults with depression, a Mediterranean-style diet led to remission more often than social support alone. A small trial, used alongside usual treatment. PubMed study
The evidenceTrials Mediterranean-style dietAll nutrients & evidence for broccoli →In a 12-week trial in adults with moderate to severe depression, a Mediterranean-style diet (whole grains, vegetables, fruit, legumes, fish, olive oil, unsalted nuts; fewer sweets, fried and processed foods) led to remission in 32 % vs 8 % with social support alone. A small trial (67 people), used alongside usual treatment. PubMed study
AppleDiet linked to better moodHow it helps your moodIn a 12-week trial in adults with depression, a Mediterranean-style diet led to remission more often than social support alone. A small trial, used alongside usual treatment. PubMed study
The evidenceTrials Mediterranean-style dietAll nutrients & evidence for apple →In a 12-week trial in adults with moderate to severe depression, a Mediterranean-style diet (whole grains, vegetables, fruit, legumes, fish, olive oil, unsalted nuts; fewer sweets, fried and processed foods) led to remission in 32 % vs 8 % with social support alone. A small trial (67 people), used alongside usual treatment. PubMed study
Lentils, boiledDiet linked to better moodHow it helps your moodIn a 12-week trial in adults with depression, a Mediterranean-style diet led to remission more often than social support alone. A small trial, used alongside usual treatment. PubMed study
The evidenceTrials Mediterranean-style dietAll nutrients & evidence for lentils, boiled →In a 12-week trial in adults with moderate to severe depression, a Mediterranean-style diet (whole grains, vegetables, fruit, legumes, fish, olive oil, unsalted nuts; fewer sweets, fried and processed foods) led to remission in 32 % vs 8 % with social support alone. A small trial (67 people), used alongside usual treatment. PubMed study
SalmonDiet linked to better moodHow it helps your moodIn a 12-week trial in adults with depression, a Mediterranean-style diet led to remission more often than social support alone. A small trial, used alongside usual treatment. PubMed study
The evidenceTrials Mediterranean-style dietAll nutrients & evidence for salmon →In a 12-week trial in adults with moderate to severe depression, a Mediterranean-style diet (whole grains, vegetables, fruit, legumes, fish, olive oil, unsalted nuts; fewer sweets, fried and processed foods) led to remission in 32 % vs 8 % with social support alone. A small trial (67 people), used alongside usual treatment. PubMed study
Olive oilDiet linked to better moodHow it helps your moodIn a 12-week trial in adults with depression, a Mediterranean-style diet led to remission more often than social support alone. A small trial, used alongside usual treatment. PubMed study
The evidenceTrials Mediterranean-style dietAll nutrients & evidence for olive oil →In a 12-week trial in adults with moderate to severe depression, a Mediterranean-style diet (whole grains, vegetables, fruit, legumes, fish, olive oil, unsalted nuts; fewer sweets, fried and processed foods) led to remission in 32 % vs 8 % with social support alone. A small trial (67 people), used alongside usual treatment. PubMed study
WalnutsDiet linked to better moodHow it helps your moodIn a 12-week trial in adults with depression, a Mediterranean-style diet led to remission more often than social support alone. A small trial, used alongside usual treatment. PubMed study
The evidenceTrials Mediterranean-style dietAll nutrients & evidence for walnuts →In a 12-week trial in adults with moderate to severe depression, a Mediterranean-style diet (whole grains, vegetables, fruit, legumes, fish, olive oil, unsalted nuts; fewer sweets, fried and processed foods) led to remission in 32 % vs 8 % with social support alone. A small trial (67 people), used alongside usual treatment. PubMed study
🏃 Do
Walking, yoga or strengthTrials
Across 218 trials in people with depression, walking or jogging, yoga and strength training reduced symptoms most, more so at higher intensity. PubMed studySeek treatmentOfficial
Medicines, talk therapy and brain stimulation are effective treatments; food and exercise add to them, not replace them. NIH NIMH
How this step works · what slows it down · sources
Research suggests that genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors play a role in depression. Depression is linked to other conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. NIH NIMH
✅ Also helps
- Treatments include medicines, talk therapy and brain stimulation therapy. If you are struggling or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 (US) or your local emergency number. NIH NIMH
The advice for this step comes from official health agencies and published research — the badge on each line shows which.
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Nutrients for normal psychological function
Root cause: Low intake of some B vitamins and magnesium.
🥗 Eat
Tuna, canned, drainedNormal psychological functionHow it helps your moodThese nutrients are authorised to contribute to normal psychological function. Food supports normal function; it does not treat depression. EUR-Lex
The evidenceEU claim Normal mood function · 0.95 mg per portionAll nutrients & evidence for tuna, canned, drained →“Vitamin B6 contributes to normal psychological function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
Turkey breast, skinlessNormal psychological functionHow it helps your moodThese nutrients are authorised to contribute to normal psychological function. Food supports normal function; it does not treat depression. EUR-Lex
The evidenceEU claim Normal mood function · 0.69 mg per portionAll nutrients & evidence for turkey breast, skinless →“Vitamin B6 contributes to normal psychological function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
SalmonNormal psychological functionHow it helps your moodThese nutrients are authorised to contribute to normal psychological function. Food supports normal function; it does not treat depression. EUR-Lex
The evidenceEU claim Normal mood function · 0.69 mg per portionAll nutrients & evidence for salmon →“Vitamin B6 contributes to normal psychological function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
Sweet potatoNormal psychological functionHow it helps your moodThese nutrients are authorised to contribute to normal psychological function. Food supports normal function; it does not treat depression. EUR-Lex
The evidenceEU claim Normal mood function · 0.54 mg per portionAll nutrients & evidence for sweet potato →“Vitamin B6 contributes to normal psychological function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
Eggs, boiledNormal psychological functionHow it helps your moodThese nutrients are authorised to contribute to normal psychological function. Food supports normal function; it does not treat depression. EUR-Lex
The evidenceEU claim Normal mood function · 2.4 µg per portionAll nutrients & evidence for eggs, boiled →“Vitamin B12 contributes to normal psychological function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
KaleNormal psychological functionHow it helps your moodThese nutrients are authorised to contribute to normal psychological function. Food supports normal function; it does not treat depression. EUR-Lex
The evidenceEU claim Normal mood function · 187 µg per portionAll nutrients & evidence for kale →“Folate contributes to normal psychological function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
AsparagusNormal psychological functionHow it helps your moodThese nutrients are authorised to contribute to normal psychological function. Food supports normal function; it does not treat depression. EUR-Lex
The evidenceEU claim Normal mood function · 182 µg per portionAll nutrients & evidence for asparagus →“Folate contributes to normal psychological function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
Edamame (immature soya beans)Normal psychological functionHow it helps your moodThese nutrients are authorised to contribute to normal psychological function. Food supports normal function; it does not treat depression. EUR-Lex
The evidenceEU claim Normal mood function · 165 µg per portionAll nutrients & evidence for edamame (immature soya beans) →“Folate contributes to normal psychological function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
How this step works · what slows it down · sources
Several B vitamins, vitamin C and magnesium are authorised to contribute to normal psychological function. Food supports normal function; it does not treat depression. EUR-Lex
“EU claim” items use the exact wording of Reg. (EU) No 432/2012 EUR-Lex; listed foods meet the legal condition of use (amounts per normal portion, BLS 4.0 / USDA).
Authorised claims say a nutrient contributes to a normal body function. They do not mean that eating more than you need improves that function, or that a food treats any condition. Population studies show associations, not proof of cause.
Meal options built from this flow
Pick any option per meal. Ranked by how well one portion covers this goal's targets and how many steps above its foods support (reference adult, everything diet). The planner adapts portions, diet type and allergies.
In short
Vitamins B6, B12, C, folate, thiamine, niacin, biotin and magnesium are each authorised in the EU to contribute to normal psychological function. These describe normal functions only; food is not a treatment for depression or anxiety.
What official sources say
Key nutrients & daily targets
Shown for a reference adult (40-year-old man, 75 kg, ~2600 kcal). Your plan recalculates these for your age, sex and weight.
| Nutrient | Daily target | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin B6 | 1.3 mg | NIH ODS Recommended Dietary Allowance / Adequate Intake for your age and sex NIH ODS |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.4 µg | NIH ODS Recommended Dietary Allowance / Adequate Intake for your age and sex NIH ODS |
| Folate | 400 µg | NIH ODS Recommended Dietary Allowance / Adequate Intake for your age and sex NIH ODS |
| Magnesium | 420 mg | NIH ODS Recommended Dietary Allowance / Adequate Intake for your age and sex NIH ODS |
| Vitamin C | 90 mg | NIH ODS Recommended Dietary Allowance / Adequate Intake for your age and sex NIH ODS |
| Thiamin (vitamin B1) | 1.2 mg | NIH ODS Recommended Dietary Allowance / Adequate Intake for your age and sex NIH ODS |
| Niacin (vitamin B3) | 16 mg | NIH ODS Recommended Dietary Allowance / Adequate Intake for your age and sex NIH ODS |
All authorised EU health claims for this goal (8)
Exact wording from Regulation (EU) No 432/2012. A food may only carry a claim if it meets the legal condition of use — on each food page we show the numbers that meet (or miss) it.
Thiamine contributes to normal psychological function.EUR-LexEU CommissionNIH ODS
Niacin contributes to normal psychological function.EUR-LexEU CommissionNIH ODS
Biotin contributes to normal psychological function.EUR-LexEU CommissionNIH ODS
Folate contributes to normal psychological function.EUR-LexEU CommissionNIH ODS
Magnesium contributes to normal psychological function.EUR-LexEU CommissionNIH ODS
Vitamin B6 contributes to normal psychological function.EUR-LexEU CommissionNIH ODS
Vitamin C contributes to normal psychological function.EUR-LexEU CommissionNIH ODS
Vitamin B12 contributes to normal psychological function.EUR-LexEU CommissionNIH ODS
Foods ranked by nutrient content (14)
Ranked by how much of the daily target one normal portion provides (nutrient values: BLS 4.0 / USDA FDC), plus authorised claims the food qualifies for.
Example day from a mood & psychological function plan
Generated automatically for the reference adult. Your plan adapts portions, diet type and allergies.
⚕️ Safety tips
- If you feel low for more than two weeks, seek professional help. NIH NIMHEU Commission
- NCCIH warns that St. John's wort can interact in dangerous, sometimes life-threatening ways with a variety of medicines. NIH NCCIH
Sources
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 — list of permitted health claims (consolidated) — European Union (EUR-Lex)
- Depression — NIH National Institute of Mental Health
- St. John's wort — NIH NCCIH
- EU Register of nutrition and health claims made on foods — European Commission
- Effect of exercise for depression: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials — Noetel M et al. BMJ 2024 (PubMed 38355154) — network meta-analysis of 218 trials
- A randomised controlled trial of dietary improvement for adults with major depression (the 'SMILES' trial) — Jacka FN et al. BMC Med 2017 (PubMed 28137247) — randomised trial, 67 adults
- Bundeslebensmittelschlüssel (BLS) 4.0 — German Nutrient Database — Max Rubner-Institut
- FoodData Central — USDA Agricultural Research Service