Per Smithsonian Magazine, oysters are high in zinc, which aids in the production of testosterone. They also contain certain amino acids, as well as serotonin, which activate the pleasure centers in the brain.
They contain zinc, iodine and selenium – elements that are vital to keeping your thyroid (your body's master mood regulator) on track. Oysters also contain the amino acid tyrosine, which your brain uses to produce the chemicals needed to enhance mental function and elevate your mood.
Fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, sardines or rainbow trout provide omega-3 fatty acids, which can influence serotonin levels. Increased serotonin levels can help prevent the blues.
Foods high in trans fats: Eating foods high in trans fats like potato chips, pizza, and fast food are linked to decreasing serotonin levels. These foods affect our mental health by causing inflammation that could prevent the production of Omega-3 fatty acids that improve brain function and mental health.
3) Tryptophan-Rich foods
Foods high in tryptophan should be avoided when at risk for serotonin syndrome as tryptophan directly increases serotonin production. These include turkey, chicken, soy, eggs, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, and some cheeses [68].
Omega-3s help decrease inflammation, which may tone down overactive immune response. For example, seafood Omega-3s may promote immune system maturation in infancy and lessen the symptoms of childhood allergies or delay their onset.
Eating foods that contain the essential amino acid known as tryptophan can help the body to produce more serotonin. Foods, including salmon, eggs, spinach, and seeds are among those that help boost serotonin naturally.
Oysters are rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Oysters have high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining heart health and reducing inflammation in your body. Plus, the omega-3 fatty acids found in oysters can help improve your skin health and even your mood!
Although the effect oysters have on our libido has never been scientifically proven, the rich amount of zinc influences our level of dopamine. Dopamine is a “happy hormone”; it brings about a feeling of well-being.
Why do I feel so good after eating oysters? Taub-Dix says oysters are heart-healthy and contribute to that great feeling after eating because they improve overall circulation. Oysters are also very high in essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. And, of course, they've long been considered an aphrodisiac.
So how does exercise make you happier? Aerobic exercise — walking, running, biking and swimming — significantly increases serotonin production in the body. You need about 30 minutes to get the serotonin “high.” Other exercise like yoga, Pilates and weight-lifting increases serotonin, too, just not as much.
It's also possible to increase serotonin levels without taking medicine. One natural way to increase serotonin is by working out. When you pedal your bicycle or lift weights, your body releases more tryptophan, the amino acid your brain uses to make serotonin.
Avocado for whole-body benefits
They also contain a significant amount of folate, or vitamin B9, which assists your brain in the creation of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Avocados are also amazing for your heart health, lowering levels of bad cholesterol and keeping high blood pressure at bay.
Bananas: Serotonin Superfood? While bananas contain serotonin, having one for a snack won't immediately lift your spirits. Unlike other forms, the serotonin found in bananas doesn't cross the blood-brain barrier,2 which means it can't get into the brain to supplement the serotonin that's naturally produced by the body.
SSRIs block the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin into neurons. This makes more serotonin available to improve transmission of messages between neurons. SSRIs are called selective because they mainly affect serotonin, not other neurotransmitters.
The illnesses of most concern from eating raw or undercooked oysters or clams are Vibrio infection, norovirus infection, and hepatitis A. See fact sheets for those diseases for more details. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pains, severe weakness.
In the case of oysters, this little mollusk contains so much zinc that it should only be eaten occasionally. Eating them once or twice a week should land you in a nutritional sweet spot. Make sure you balance your zinc intake with enough copper — especially if you really enjoy oysters!
Seafood Can Boost Mood
“Seafood has health benefits that address anxiety and depression,” explains Seafood Nutrition Partnership. Omega-3s in fatty fish have received plenty of attention for their positive impact on mood.
Several fruits and vegetables contain tryptophan, which is a building block to creating mood-boosting serotonin. So if we consume produce rich in tryptophan, our bodies can make more serotonin. Plantains, pineapple, bananas, kiwi fruit, plums, and tomatoes contain high amounts of tryptophan.
The serotonin test measures the level of serotonin in the blood. Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.