Serotonin Boosting Smoothie

A serotonin boosting smoothie may be just the thing you need to increase serotonin (happiness hormone) levels! 

I used to be on anti-depressants and anti-anxiety meds a lot. That’s before I made a personal decision to stop relying on them too much. 

Nowadays, I’ve discovered that whole and fresh foods actually have a lot to offer when it comes to helping improve mental health naturally. 

Of course, I’m not saying ditch your meds. Anti-depressants are incredible. I’ve seen their effects on several people, including myself. Many of us need anti-depressants to help get through the day, but I’m just putting it out there that adding these healing smoothies to your diet makes a difference too! 

This serotonin smoothie is filling and gives you the serotonin boost you need for the day. You can also drink it as a snack smoothie in the evening because it helps promote good sleep. 

Why You Need Serotonin 

Serotonin is also known as the happiness hormone. 

It is a key hormone that stabilizes our mood, feelings of well-being and happiness.

But that’s not all – serotonin is needed for your whole body to function properly. It enables brain cells and other cells in the nervous system to communicate with each other. 

Serotonin also plays a huge role in sleeping, eating, and digestion. 

Low levels of serotonin in the brain may cause depression, anxiety and sleep trouble. 

That’s why many doctors prescribe a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) to treat depression and anxiety. They are the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant.

Best Foods Rich in Serotonin

One of the best foods rich in serotonin are NUTS! All nuts help increase dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain. That’s why you’ll see this serotonin boosting smoothie comprises of different nuts! 

I sometimes add soaked pistachios and soaked dried figs too. It’s a great breakfast smoothie so feel free to add any extra ingredients or other nuts you have on hand! 

How to Make a Serotonin Boosting Smoothie

Here are the ingredients and directions for how to make your serotonin boosting smoothie! 

What you Need 

• 1 cup dairy or non-dairy milk of your choice 
• ½ ripe banana 
• 6 soaked cashew nuts 
• 3 soaked walnuts 
• 6 soaked almonds
• 2 pitted & soaked dates
• High speed blender (where to get it)
• Drinking glass and straw 

Directions 

1. Begin by soaking 6 cashews, 3 walnuts, 6 almonds and 2 pitted dates in ½ cup of water overnight. 
2. In the morning, your nuts be will soft and ready. 
3. Drain the water used for soaking and throw the nuts and dates into a high-speed blender together with ½ ripe banana and 1 cup of dairy or non-dairy milk.
4. Blitz on high until you have a lump-free thick smoothie. 
5. Pour into a drinking glass and enjoy as your breakfast! 

Please make this serotonin boosting smoothie and come share your thoughts in the comments below!