Our diet plays a huge role in how we look and feel. But did you know how deeply it affects our mental health? We take all these supplements hoping to feel our best selves but could it be that the right foods are all we need? I did some research on finding the best food for our mental health and how they affect us, so you too can be your happiest self.
Fats - but healthy
Healthy fats like salmon, avocado, and nuts consist of lots of omega-3. Omega-3 is linked to reducing symptoms of depression and other mental problems. It helps boost the memory of the brain and helps the learning in the brain. Avocados contain high amounts of lutein, which is linked to positive impacts on the brain. They also contain lots of folate, which improves your mood and helps you concentrate and keep better memory. A good excuse to eat more avocado toast with some extra salmon on top ;)
Whole grains
Our body needs complex carbohydrates like oats, beans, wild rice, and soy to provide consistent energy throughout the day. These complex carbs encourage slow glucose production. This makes sure that your body is given enough energy to get through the day. Not only do they provide energy whole grains also help with tryptophan absorption, tryptophan is used to help make melatonin and serotonin in the body. Melatonin helps regulate your sleep cycle and serotonin helps regulate your mood, appetite, and sleep. Getting in enough carbs is key to a balanced diet. So try and include some extra complex carbs in your diet, but be careful what kind of carbs you consume. Simple carbs can do the opposite and spike your blood sugar.
Good old yoghurt
Yogurt is filled with lots of healthy probiotics. Probiotics break down food, making sure your body and brain get the nutrients they need. A healthy gut is scientifically proven to help with good mental well-being. Including yogurt in your diet will help reduce stress and anxiety.
Berries, berries, and more berries.
Berries such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are filled with lots and lots of antioxidants. These antioxidants are essential for your mental health. They reduce and prevent depression symptoms and are proven to help anxiety and other mental issues. Berries have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body which helps the brain by lowering inflammation. By doing so it helps the body improve its overall mood and well-being.
Dark chocolate (the darker the better)
Not only is dark chocolate good for your soul but it’s actually proven to be good for your overall health. Dark chocolate is filled with an antioxidant called flavonoids. Flavonoids positively help your memory, mood, and better your attention span. Dark chocolate helps reduce stress hormones and increase endorphins, these help with feelings of pleasure and happiness!!!! But be careful what chocolate you eat, for the most benefits you need dark chocolate from about 83% of cacao.
