Food plays a major role in our lives. We use it to celebrate, re-fuel, sooth our souls, and countless other occasions. However, food also has a major impact on our overall mood, health, and happiness. Taking control of the food you eat can literally change the course of your day—and even your life.

A Harvard professor had this to say about the best foods for your body, courtesy of Time.com:

“Diet has tremendous effects on our short-and long-term health, especially when it comes to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease,” says Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, associate professor of cardiovascular medicine at Harvard Medical School. Just remember, he adds, to “eat a variety of healthy foods, rather than focus on one magic bullet.”

Using Food to Improve Your Day

Whether you’re looking to fix problems in your life that are physical or mental, there might be a food to help set you straight. Consider the following foods for the below moods and physical ailments:

Best Foods for Depression:

Feeling down in the dumps? Try these foods to lighten your mood:

• Dark leafy greens – As one of the most nutrient-dense food choices on the planet, dark leafy greens fight against inflammation, severe depression, and supply plenty of vitamins
• Walnuts – If you’re suffering from depression, you might need some omega-3 fatty acids in your life. Walnuts provide these essential acids to support brain function and make you feel less depressed
• Mushrooms – Who knew that mushrooms are good for your mental help? Their chemical properties help even out your mood by lowering blood sugar levels
• Apples – These fresh fruits are high in antioxidants which also help balance out blood sugar swings, just like mushrooms

Best Foods for Pain Relief:

According to Prevention, chronic pain affects 116 million adults. If you’re experiencing pain from muscles, arthritis, and more, consider:

• Cherries – Choose these sweet, small fruits for arthritis and muscle pain
• Ginger – Ginger can help those suffering from migraines
• Salmon – Smooth your achy back with two-to-three oz servings of salmon per day

Best Foods for Diabetes

Keep your blood sugar levels in check with:

• Broccoli
• Cinnamon
• Quinoa
• Kale
• Eggs
• Garlic
• Spinach

No matter what type of problems are plaguing your body or mind, the best course of action is to eat the freshest and most natural foods possible. Take control of your diet today to start living a healthier life.