fbpx

10 Good-Mood Foods That Can Fight Depression

10 Good-Mood Foods That Can Fight Depression

1 of 11

What you eat can enhance your sense of emotional and physical well being. Here are 10 foods packed with nutrients and vitamins that seem heaven sent as natural anti depressants. Eat these 10 good-mood foods and you could be jumping for joy.

Sources: collective-evolution.com, prevention.com, gohealthyfitlife.ca, listverse.com, healthline.com, who.int

en.wikipedia.org
en.wikipedia.org

Tumeric

A study done by the Department of Pharmacology at Government Medical College in Bhavnagar, India claimed that this vital member of the ginger family holds natural qualities as effective as Prozac in combating major forms of depression. This miracle Indian spice is famous as one in an arsenal against the common cold, respiratory ailments, and inflammation. If chowing on some great spicy food drenched in tumeric is like swallowing pharmaceuticals without the chemical side-effects….sounds like a winner.

pixabay.com
pixabay.com

Walnuts

The meatiness and satiating quality of these nuts should deter anyone from binge-eating on cheeseburgers. The double whammy is that walnuts hold powerful antidotes to the blues. Besides omega fats and proteins which are an everyday key to vitality, there is a high content of magnesium, which is a mood-enhancing agent as well a promoter of cell growth. Antioxidants and polyphenols are like jump starters for the brain, enhancing neural connections to make you more alert.

pixabay.com
pixabay.com

Honey

Drizzling honey on everything from toast to ice cream is a pretty great way to treat the taste buds, but this nectar of the Gods has been a tool to drag out the sunshine since the times of the Romans, who equated its with the element of happiness. Candies or pastries will lift the mood temporarily only to have one come crashing down. Honey provides a more sustained and clean lift up. Kaempferol and quercetin are among its properties, increasing blood flow to the brain. Oh, and it’s also an aphrodisiac, which usually leads to some healthy and mood-enhancing activities…

flickr.com
flickr.com

Dark Chocolate

An ounce a day keeps the shrink away; at least that’s what’s been claimed. Dairy-free dark chocolate is made from cocoa, which is packed with neurotransmitters like serotonin, phenylethylamine, and dopamine. Basically, they trigger quick responses in the brain, and elate the mood. Even the flavor promotes a sensory reaction known to equalize mood swings common in those with bipolar disorder. The higher the cacao percentage, the happier you are.

en.wikipedia.org
en.wikipedia.org

Cherry Tomatoes

The lycopene in the skins of these juicy little red balls needs to be stimulated in order to reach its full bio availability. Light cooking with a healthy oil such as extra virgin olive or coconut will wrinkle the skins, enriching the health content to chug your blood along to the brain. The smaller the tomato, the smaller the surface area, which means more skin to consume.

en.wikipedia.org
en.wikipedia.org

Greek Yogurt

The probiotic yogurt craze of the last few years has brought spoonfuls of creamier, richer, and healthier treats into the mouth. Greek yogurt is especially an anomaly, as its zer0-fat content is one of the reasons for its thickness. With protein levels up in the 20s of grams, a low calorie level, and a mixable base for fruits, nuts and honey, it is a delight. But it’s the enormous doses of vitamins B6 and B12 that lower anxiety levels, blood pressure, and blood sugar.

commons.wikimedia.org
commons.wikimedia.org

Oysters

The nutrition level in raw oysters slurped straight from the shell is formidable compared to any other superfoods, with 100 grams of oysters accounting for 200 percent of your required daily zinc. A cerebral modulator for stress, oysters have B12 vitamins, crucial for red blood-cell formations. If you are broke in spirit and cash and you don’t find the pearl, you’re still the richer for sucking some down. Eating this amazing sea creature will improve your mood.

pixabay.com
pixabay.com

Spinach

Popeye sure felt great after chowing down a can, and you will too if you make a salad every day from these deep green antidepressants. Full of natural fiber and iron, spinach is also packed with folic acid which increases red blood cells and boosts the immune system. It also has selenium and niacin, which enhance cellular communication and generally combat sluggishness and fatigue. Spinach will make your mood like a lit-up switchboard.

christmasstockimage.com
christmasstockimage.com

Turkey

“Turkey makes you tired” is what I always heard growing up, which is why peanut butter sandwiches were always in the lunch box. But natural sedation is better than the other kind. High levels of tryptophan in turkey is like nature’s answer to a handful of Nyquil after a stressful day. Tryptophan breaks down serotonin and produces melatonin, which induces a calming, accepting feeling. The “comfort foods” aspect of a warm turkey dish is also recommended by medical experts.

commons.wikimedia.org
commons.wikimedia.org

Blue Potatoes

Really, these starchy oddities may be the pope of anti-depressant foods. Anthocyanins are their name, brain building is their game. These are some of the most powerful antioxidants in the world, and they serve to reduce inflammation of the brain, which is one of the top causes of strain, pressure, and bad moods. Iodine in their skin also stabilizes thyroid hormone levels, thereby stabilizing mood disorders. They’re not that common in grocery stores, but it’s worth hunting the good blues to stave off the bad blues.