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.
What foods are high in serotonin?
Eight foods that naturally boost serotonin
- Salmon. This oily fish is also a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for health. ...
- Poultry. Poultry includes chicken, turkey, and goose. ...
- Eggs. Some ways of cooking and preparing eggs are more healthful than others. ...
- Spinach. ...
- Seeds. ...
- Milk. ...
- Soy products. ...
- Nuts.
Are bananas good for anxiety and depression?
Eating potassium-rich foods such, as pumpkin seeds or bananas, may help reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. Pumpkin seeds are also a good source of the mineral zinc. One study carried out on 100 female high school students found that zinc deficiency may negatively affect mood.
