In addition to counseling and taking medications, what you eat has a big impact on your mental well-being. Here are some foods recommended by experts to overcome the problems associated with mood or anxiety disorders.
Dark Leafy Green Vegetables
Dark leafy green vegetables contain numerous nutrients that can help an individual have a healthier brain. These foods include kale, broccoli and spinach that are available year-round in supermarkets. Adding these foods to daily menus can improve the condition of the brain’s emotional center.
Fatty Fish
An increase in the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids is essential for the brain when someone has anxiety or depression. Experts recommend having three servings at the minimum of fresh or canned mackerel, tuna or salmon each week to have the most benefits from the nutrients in the fish.
Whole Grains
Rather than eating bread and pasta made from refined flours, add whole-grain foods to meals. Read labels carefully to determine if a ready-made food at the supermarket is made with whole grains instead of processed flour. Whole-grain foods digest slowly in the stomach, helping to regulate the body’s blood sugar levels.
Tomatoes
Fresh or canned tomatoes contain antioxidants that can protect the cells in the brain, eliminating free radicals that lead to problems with mental illnesses. The vitamins A and C along with lycopene in tomatoes also improve the functions of the brain. Add tomatoes to sandwiches, pasta dishes and soups to strengthen the brain’s well-being.
Eggs
Eating eggs for breakfast helps to increase the health of the brain with nutrients such as vitamin B6, iron and calcium. When an individual skips breakfast, he can damage his brain’s synapses, leading to mental health issues.
Nuts
Walnuts and almonds contain omega-3 fatty acids that protect the brain’s functions to prevent conditions such as dementia. Keep in mind that the serving size of nuts is very small, and this food is acceptable in small quantities several times each week.
Blueberries
When an individual is experiencing stress, their body releases cortisol and other hormones that are dangerous for the brain. The deep rich color of blueberries offers valuable antioxidants that can protect the brain from stress.
The Role Diet Plays in Mental Health
