Depression has a very strange but inimitable relationship with food. Some people stop eating when depressed and hence lose weight while others find comfort in foods and start craving for carbohydrates and sugars on an increasing basis, leading to weight gain. Some researches have suggested that poor nutrition can make you prone to depression.In fact, rather than spending money on chocolates and chips, if you spend your hard earned money on some other sensible and healthy foods, it can help you feeling better and can control mood swings and other blues, associated with depression.
Best Foods For Depression
Fish
Fish is not only good for your skin and hair; it is equally good for your mood swings also. The reason being that fish contains essential fats called Omega- 3 fatty acids. Cold water fish, like salmon, tuna, anchovies, etc. particularly contain DHA, a type of Omega 3 fatty acid, which is found to have positive impact on membrane quality and nerve function of grey matter of the head. Some studies have found that eating DHA rich foods on regular basis helps in improving the quality of those crucial areas of brain which are related to human being’s moods. The other benefit of eating fish is that its lean protein stabilizes the blood sugar levels and helps you keep irritability (caused by hunger pangs) at bay.
Green Tea
Another interesting beverage to keep your blues away is green tea. Green tea leaves contain an amino acid called L-theanine. Theanine, is a very rare amino acid, found only in mushrooms and tea plants so far.Then you may question that why only green tea? Why not other variants? The answer is that the studies have also shown that green tea contains plentiful of theanine while other varieties are low on this important nutrient. This amino acid has been proved as alpha wave booster in the brain. This not only increases focus, but also calms the mind and body of a person.
Oats
Whole-grain oats are another super food for combating depression as they are rich in B group of vitamins, particularly, vitamins B5, B6 and B1, folic acid and fiber.Studies have shown that people who are low in vitamin B levels, are prone to get depressed and less likely to get better results from antidepressants. Oats are good for digestion as they are full of fiber and keep your blood sugar levels stable and keep the crabby feeling away. Other grains like quinoa, millet, barley, etc. are also good for depression.
Nuts And Seeds
Nuts and seeds are high in magnesium and studies have shown that magnesium consumption leads to production of serotonin in the body.Serotonin is a chemical which, when released in the body, makes us feel happy and satisfied, keeping the gloomy feeling away. Nuts like almonds; cashew nuts, brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, etc. are high in magnesium.
Eggs
Egg is another inexpensive food which can help you keep depression away. Eating whole egg is a good idea to combat depression because it is the egg yolk, which practically contains all the vitamins, especially B vitamins.B vitamins also help in improving the neural functions. They help in improving the functioning of the neurotransmitters, which helps govern mood.
