Studies have proven that the consumption of the right foods can improve our mood and brain health. One in every four people around the world suffers from mental illness. In this article, we will talk about ten foods for mood-boosting and brain health.
Whether it is depression, anxiety or some other form, many people don’t receive the treatment they need. Taking care of your mental health is an essential part of self-care, but sometimes a doctor visit isn’t an option. If you need a little help with balancing your daily moods and feeling better, here are ten foods for mood-boosting and brain health.
Foods For Mood-Boosting and Brain Health:
1. Asparagus
Recent studies have linked depression and a deficiency in folic acid in some people. It isn’t clear yet whether the deficiency causes depression, or whether it simply prevents you from leaving a depressed state once you are there.
Either way, it makes sense to get enough folic acid if you are suffering from depression. Asparagus is packed with folic acid, making it an excellent choice for the mood-boosting foods for depression.
Regular consumption of asparagus not only boosts brain health it also has a reputation as good food for a healthy heart.
2. Salmon
Most people who eat a typical western diet do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are directly linked to how well our brain performs, so it is understandable your mind isn’t at its best when you lack it. Omega-3s make great essential fatty acids that improve mood happiness and can also help you think better.
Salmon, as well as other fatty fish, have plenty of omega-3 fatty acids to help boost your mood and brain health. So, if you are a student, then the consumption of salmon fish might be helpful for you. Additionally, if you are concerned about getting old, then you can start consuming salmon fish because it is considered as one of the best anti-aging food for younger-looking skin.
3. Yogurt
Our guts are actually a major influence on our moods and brain health. Several studies on the bacteria living in our guts have been done in recent years. They have found that specific bacteria cause autism-like symptoms in mice, aggression, risk-taking, depression, and anxiety.
Good bacteria can improve mood, help us stay healthy, and lock out the bacteria that cause problems. Yogurt contains probiotics, beneficial bacteria that will help keep your gut safe from harmful bacteria, and filled with more of the good bacteria.
4. Water
While not precisely food, water is one of the essential nutrients you can give your body. Your brain is made out of 75% water, and when we don’t get enough, it can put your brain—as well as the rest of our bodies—under significant strain. Keeping hydrated gives your brain the best chance at the normal function, and water is the best choice for that.
5. Spinach
The famous cartoon character Popeye was on to something when he chose spinach as his favorite food. Spinach has folate, B-vitamins, and tyrosine. All of these nutrients have been proven to help with mood-boosting and mental health.
B vitamins are especially critical to our brain health since a lack of B-vitamins can lead to anxiety. In overall, spinach is a great food to improve mood and energy.
6. Blueberries
Blueberries are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and yes, more folate. These berries are a great boost to your health in general, but their special mood-boosting vitamins are in preventing mental health decline.
Aging is associated with a wide variety of mental health issues, from memory loss to dementia. Studies have linked eating more blueberries to a delay in mental health decline. That makes eating this sweet treat an even sweeter deal.
7. Tomatoes
If you’re not sure what foods are good to eat for boosting your mood and brain health, then checking out a psychology magazine is a pretty good place to start. One of the most talked-about foods in Psychology Today is the humble tomato.
This is because tomatoes have generous amounts of carotenoids, a class of nutrients that are known for protecting the brain. Tomatoes include both lycopene and Beta-carotene.
These can impact your mood and brain health in two separate ways. Not only do they protect the brain directly, but they also protect your heart. Therefore, tomatoes are great foods for mood-boosting.
People who have had heart attacks in the past are more likely to suffer from depression. Your heart health is directly related to your brain health because of course, your brain needs good oxygen flow in order to function properly. Including tomatoes in your diet is a great way to get the best of both worlds.
8. Beans
When we’ve had a bad day or are suffering from depression, it is pretty common to reach for comfort foods to help us feel better. These foods are often in the form of simple carbohydrates, such as a doughnut, white bread, and cake.
These simple carbs are actually detrimental to your mood and can make you feel worse in the long run. The result is a vicious circle of reaching for comfort foods to counteract the feelings caused by the poor foods in the first place.
Beans can break the cycle, providing complex carbs that stay with the body for longer, releasing glucose slowly, and giving your body a much-needed break.
9. Turkey
This is one food you probably know as mood-boosting with brain health improvement abilities. Turkey contains tryptophan, a mood-boosting precursor to serotonin that helps you sleep and may even help you lose weight. Tryptophan by itself is a common supplement to reduce irritability and reduces depression and anxiety.
The next time you are sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner, don’t feel guilty about taking an extra serving of turkey. You’ll be doing your brain and body a favor. Also, turkey meat is great brain food for studying; as it is a great source of power brain needs for long study hours.
10. Green Tea
Although green tea has much caffeine in it, we can’t help but feel relaxed and at ease when we have a warm cup of it curled in our hands. This may be because of Theanine, a component of green tea with powerful anti-anxiety effects.
Theanine is being studied because it is powerful enough to be used as a drug to combat anxiety but doesn’t cause drowsiness, or lack of focus like some other anti-anxiety medications can do.
Studies are still ongoing, but in the meantime pouring yourself a nice cuppa can’t hurt, and it may give you the much-needed boost you need to get through the day.
With today’s health care system in chaos, getting the mood and brain health care you need can be difficult. There is no replacement for quality medical care, but choosing quality food can help benefit you until you can gain the support you need. If you’re feeling down, try one of these ten foods for mood-boosting and brain health.
