Eating right could be the best medicine for mood

SIMPLY improving your diet can lead to a happier life, according to Emily Hazell, who has been experimenting with foods to increase levels of serotonin.

Emily Hazell started Serotonin Cafe in Burnley. Picture: Jay Town

SIMPLY improving your diet can lead to a happier life, according to Emily Hazell.

When she was in a “mood funk” a few years ago, she began experimenting with foods known to increase levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter known as the “happy molecule”.

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She said the results were life-changing. “It’s amazing how much of a difference it makes when you pay attention to what you’re putting in your body.

“Your gut is your first brain, and you really notice your mood improve when you start eating properly.”

A green bluice from Serotonin Eatery includes kale, lemon, apple, banana and mint. Picture: Jay Town

Dairy and sugar-free acai ice-cream topped with nuts, buckwheat and dried fruit granola served with a peanut butter and coconut magnum at Serotonin Eatery. Picture: Jay Town

Sweet potato, served with parsley, red cabbage, balsamic, onion, garlic, lemon zest and avocado at Serotonin Eatery. Picture: Jay Town

Since discovering the mental health benefits of a well-balanced and plant-based diet, Ms Hazell has been working hard to spread the word.

At her Serotonin Eatery in Burnley, all meals are designed to be mood-stabilisers.

Her business is now expanding into education, teaming up with nutritionists, naturopaths and psychologists to give people an in-depth look at how different foods affect us.

“We try to take people on a journey of the body and the mind — we teach them to eat different foods for the benefit of each individual body organ,” she said.

A spirulina, cashew, coconut and cacao dessert at Serotonin Eatery. Picture: Jay Town

An almond, raspberry, vanilla, cashew and coconut milk dessert at Serotonin Eatery. Picture: Jay Town

“More and more, people want to eat for mood and brain function.”

Ms Hazell recommends people “fall in love with vegetables” and not eliminate important food groups from their diet.

“There’s nothing inherently wrong with fats, sugars and carbohydrates — eating complex, nutritionally rich carbs is really good for the brain.

“You don’t have to never eat chocolate but thinking about what you eat is a good first step to improving the way you think.”