What we put in our bodies can have a direct effect on how we feel. Studies have shown that some vitamins and minerals in the foods we eat can improve our mental health and make stress, anxiety, and depression less severe. Eating healthy foods is important for both our physical and mental health. Here are six of the best superfoods that you should eat more of.
Fatty fish
Fatty or oily fish have Omega-3 fatty acids in them, which help people remember things better and feel less anxious. Omega-3 acids are very good for the body in many ways, and the brain can’t work without them. People have said that they help with depression and other mood disorders. Here are some of the best sources of Omega-3s in fish.
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Mackerel
- Albacore Tuna
Flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts are great sources of omega-3s for vegetarians and vegans who want to keep their brains healthy.
Leafy greens
Folic acid is found in a lot of leafy greens. Folic acid and other B vitamins can help you sleep, feel better, and have more energy. If you eat the right amount of leafy greens, you can fight off depression and other mental health problems. Here are some leafy green foods that are good for your mental health and that you should eat often.
- Spinach
- Kale
- Collard Greens
- Romaine
Berries
Berries are full of antioxidants and are good for our bodies and brains in many ways. Antioxidants are great for getting rid of free radicals, lowering inflammation, and fixing cells that have been damaged. Studies show that mental health problems and free radicals are linked. Antioxidants, which are found in berries, have been shown to ease anxiety and depression. Berries are the best snack made from superfoods. The most antioxidants are in these berries.
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
Fermented Foods
Research shows that how healthy our guts are has a direct effect on how healthy our minds are. The prebiotics and probiotics in fermented foods promote a healthy gut. Some antidepressants work on the same parts of the brain that fermented foods do. Depression and anxiety can be helped by eating more fermented foods. Here are some fermented superfoods to eat to keep your gut and brain healthy.
- Yogurt
- Kimchee
- Sauerkraut
- Kombucha
Cacao
Cacao has been around for a long time, and it is very good for your health. It’s full of nutrients and natural compounds that improve your mood, help you remember things, and make your brain work better as a whole. It also has magnesium, which decreases cortisol and makes people feel less stressed. Dark chocolate has more cacao than milk chocolate, which makes it more pure. Choose ceremonial grade cacao if you want the purest form of cacao. If you want something sweet, grab some dark chocolate the next time you want something sweet.
Turmeric
Studies have shown that a lot of mental health problems are linked to inflammation in the body. Curcumin is a natural substance found in turmeric that can reduce inflammation and make stress and depression symptoms less severe. Turmeric is a spice that you can easily add to your diet. It is often used in Indian food. To get your turmeric fix, add it to eggs, stews, or a golden milk latte.
Foods to avoid
There are foods that can hurt our bodies and minds just as much as there are foods that can help them. Studies have found a link between a Western diet that is high in sugar and processed foods and having more signs of depression. Eating these foods can make you tired and make your depression worse. It’s important to avoid these foods for the best mental health:
- Processed foods
- Sugar
- Alcohol
- Saturated fats
Conclusion
If you want to take care of your mental health, you should eat whole foods and superfoods to get the vitamins and minerals you need. If you are feeling anxious, sad, or any other kind of emotional pain, it might help to talk to a therapist. You can get support and learn ways to deal with problems and be the best version of yourself in therapy. Today, talk to someone.
