Remember the joy swell up inside when you simply went to the ice cream shop for your favorite cone on a hot sunny day? Isn’t it funny how you suddenly feel at peace when you sit back and let pure milk chocolate slowly melt on your tongue?

It may sound silly, but junk food could actually be contributing to your bad moods and even be a factor in depression. Yep, even though it makes you feel so good right then, while you’re in the moment, you might wanna consider not enjoying that sweet next time.

There have been multiple studies conducted that cited there are links between eating junk food and depression. And the evidence just seems to be adding up. Researchers are actively trying to pinpoint exactly how and why it happens, but here’s what we already know…

Anu Ruusunen, from the University of Eastern Finland, brought forward her analysis on the Kuipio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study. She believes that the participants in this population based study who strived to eat plenty of berries, fish, low fat cheese, veggies, fruit and whole grains were at a lower risk of depression. Not only for the time being or immediate future, but throughout the entire follow up time. Those who ate junk food such as high-sugar treats, hot dogs and chips weren’t so lucky.

It really was no surprise, though. Then, last year the Public Health Nutrition Journal published another study. This time, they actually gave definitive numbers. According to their findings, if you eat junk food then you have more than a 50 percent chance to develop symptoms related to depression. The more junk food you choose to eat, the higher the risk you have for depression.

To be fair, you need to keep in mind that these studies do not show a definitive link, a specific cause and effect reaction. They don’t know the how or the why – only the fact that it’s obvious something is going on here.

So for now, we think it’s a good idea just to start looking for alternative feel good goodies… those that will actually help you feel good all the time and overall instead of just for a few moments.

Here are just a few ways you can be proactive and start using mood-boosting foods instead of bringing yourself down with junk food that will almost certainly contribute to depression:

Get Enough Vitamin B

Other studies have clearly shown that a diet rich in Vitamin B can help prevent depression and mood-related disorders. Where do you get this from? Lean poultry and fish. If you prefer not to eat meat, then eat plenty of leafy green veggies like spinach.

Get Nutty

The majority of the time, nuts have lots of magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral that contributes to the production of serotonin: the good mood chemical in your brain. The best nuts to choose are almonds, peanuts and cashews (yum!)

Keep Vitamin D on Hand

Vitamin D supplements are one of the best ways to get this vitamin. Yes, you get it from the sun, but let’s be honest… most of us aren’t in the sun that much anymore.