CANTIKA.COM, Jakarta – If you are feeling unmotivated or experiencing mood swings, nutrition experts recommend a variety of mood booster drinks. Sipping one of these drinks will uplift your spirits. Plus, these drinks contain beneficial nutrients for overall health.

So, if you find yourself feeling down or irritable, consider trying one of these mood-enhancing drinks.

Recommended Mood Booster Drinks by Nutrition Experts

1. Green Tea

Green tea is a super beverage recommended for healing all kinds of diseases, boosting the immune response, and helping you feel calmer.

Caroline Susie, a nutrition expert and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, said green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and reduces stress by increasing alpha brainwave activity, as quoted from Real Simple. Green tea also contains a moderate amount of caffeine, which can increase alertness and improve mood.

2. Turmeric Tea

Turmeric has become a favored health ingredient and has made it to the list of superfoods. Susie explained that curcumin in turmeric helps regulate serotonin and dopamine levels. This anti-inflammatory and antioxidant could reduce symptoms of depression. Therefore, turmeric tea is recommended as a mood-boosting drink.

3. Kefir

Fermented drinks like kefir can be a perfect mood booster. The nutritionist said that kefir is high in probiotics, which enhance the diversity of the gut microbiota and could improve mental health. 

4. Kombucha

Like kefir, kombucha is a fermented drink that can improve gut health and mental well-being.

5. Hot Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate has been touted for numerous health benefits, and a cup of hot chocolate can help lift your mood. According to Susie, cocoa raises blood flow to the brain to push cognitive function with flavonoids. Cocoa also increases serotonin levels, contributing to a better mood.

6. Herbal Tea

If you’re looking for a caffeine-free warm beverage that will boost your mood, consider choosing chamomile, lavender, or peppermint tea, suggested Susie. She said herbal teas have bioactive compounds that reduce stress. Chamomile, in particular, has been studied for its anxiolytic effects. 

7. Coffee

There is a reason you might crave coffee on days when you’re feeling unmotivated. It’s caffeine, which boosts your energy and mood.

A large study showed that moderate coffee consumption can reduce the risk of depression. Susie said coffee has caffeine that stimulates the central nervous system, increasing dopamine and serotonin. This could improve mood and mental alertness.

But remember, don’t overconsume coffee as it can make you feel anxious and restless.

Hopefully, the above overview of mood booster drinks can help.

Editor’s Choice: 5 Best Indonesian Coffee Drinks, Must-Try for Caffeine Lovers

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