The importance of eating good food is usually instilled into us from a very young age. We are taught that eating good food will make us strong and powerful, and it appeals to our little young minds as we all want to be superheroes. But it is not until we grow up that we truly learn the crucial role of food and nutrition in our life, specifically how it affects our mind and mental well-being.
Numerous studies have proven that a well-balanced diet can help a person feel more active, have a clear head, and be alert. It can help us improve our attention span and concentration, allowing us to be more clear-headed and active in our lives. On the other hand, whenever the body’s nutritional needs are not met, it tends to make us feel tired and impacts our decision-making abilities. A and stress. For this reason, let us take a look at different foods you can eat to improve your mental health.
Chicken
Chicken is one of the most easily accessible, cheap, and delicious lean protein choices to exist. Chicken contains an amino acid called tryptophan. Apart from that, chicken also helps your body increase the production of serotonin, a crucial hormone for managing your mood. An increase in serotonin means that your brain has more power to fight depression. In addition to that, it also improves memory. However, it is not an alternative to proper treatment in case your mental well-being is compromised. For this reason, if you are suffering from serious depression or severe mental health issues, seek help from a rehab center such as Serenity at Summit Rehab.
Salmon
Fish is one of the most healthy choices that can help you remain physically and mentally healthy. But salmon maintains the first position in the list of all fishes that are good for your health. Salmon is a type of fatty fish, which means that contains high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids that help in reducing the severity and symptoms of depression. Apart from that, omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to improve memory and improve learning capabilities in a person.
There is also a high concentration of Vitamin D in Salmon, and the food containing a lot of vitamin D has been linked with reduced rates of mental stress and depression. Apart from salmon, several other types of fish contain a healthy amount of Omega-3 fatty acids, including herring, mackerel, and tuna.
Avocados
There is a reason millennials are so fond of avocados. Apart from their creamy deliciousness, avocados have a high amount of Folate and Vitamin K, which protect your brain and prevent stroke. Apart from that, avocadoes also help improve concentration levels and memory. Lastly, avocados also give you a healthy dose of lutein, which helps improve your brain functions.
Whole Grains
Whole grain is a widespread category that includes several foods such as wild rice, soy, oats, beans, etc. Your body and your brain use the carbohydrates found in grains for energy, but consuming simple carbs leads to insulin spiking. On the other hand, whole grains have complex carbohydrates, which causes the glucose to produce more slowly as compared to an insulin spike caused by simple carbs. Therefore, they prove to be a more consistent and reliable source of energy.
Apart from that, whole grain also assists the brain in absorbing tryptophan, which means that eating whole grains with turkey or chicken can reduce anxiety and depression, even more, resulting in a mood boost.
Spinach
Leafy green vegetables such as spinach help provide folic acid to your brain, which acts as a deterrent against depression. Folic acid also helps reduce insomnia’s effects, which have been heavily linked with mental impairment and dementia.
Yogurt
Products that contain active cultures, such as yogurt, are one of the best sources of probiotics. Probiotics are associated with digestive health and have also been shown to help reduce the effects of anxiety and stress. Apart from that, the magnesium and potassium found in yogurt help supply oxygen to the brain, which improves brain functions even more.
Nuts
Nuts, just like salmon, are one of the best sources of healthy fats. The most significant of those healthy fats are the omega-3 fatty acids, which help fight depression. Apart from that, the magnesium found in cashews improves the oxygen supply to the brain.
Nuts such as almonds are said to contain a type of compound which is known as phenylalanine. This compound helps the brain produce more dopamine and signals other neurotransmitters to improve mood. Apart from that, phenylalanine has also been shown to help in reducing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that while these foods are healthy and beneficial to your mental well-being, using them in combination with saturated fats and artificial sweeteners dampens the benefits. For this reason, opt to use these products without dousing them in oils, frying them, or lathering them in sugar, as doing so can have a negative impact on your mental well-being. So the next time you make a grocery list, make a list of all of these products to add to your meals to reap the many health benefits they provide.