You may not be eating as healthy as you should if you suffer from depression.
Depression can affect your appetite and make it difficult to prepare nutritious meals. Depression can lead to emotional eating, and a craving for comfort food.
What you eat has a huge impact on your mood. Some foods can ease depression symptoms. You’ll notice that your mental health and mood will improve when you incorporate these foods into the diet.
Salmon
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in salmon (and other fish such as mackerel and tuna). Omega-3 fatty acids are vital nutrients for the body’s optimal health, but they can only be obtained by diet.
Omega-3 fatty acid is known to promote brain health and reduce inflammation. You could be contributing to depression if you don’t get enough omega-3 fatty acids. Increased intake of omega-3s may help reduce depression.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, kale and others are rich in nutrients essential to good health. Folate (vitamin B9) is a nutrient that appears to be important in depression and serotonin production.
Vitamin B9 deficiency can worsen or cause depression. You can increase your intake by adding more leafy vegetables to your diet.
Green beans, asparagus and grains enriched with B vitamins are good sources of folate.
Carrots
Beta-carotene is abundant in carrots, as well as other orange and yellow veggies like sweet potatoes and squash.
Beta-carotene has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It is also inversely related to depression. The more beta-carotene in your diet the lower the risk of depression. Low levels of beta carotene also increase the risk of depression.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain beta-carotene and other carotenoids , including lycopene.
Lycopene, the pigment red that gives tomatoes a bright color, is a powerful antioxidant. It is a powerful anti-oxidant that reduces inflammation and improves brain function.
Turkey
Turkey contains a lot of Tryptophan , which is an amino acid needed for the synthesis of serotonin.
The neurotransmitter Serotonin , also known as “happy chemicals,” is a neurotransmitter.
Depression is often characterized by low serotonin levels. Serotonin is the main component of antidepressants. These drugs are known as SSRIs. SSRI stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Turkey may not have the same effects as SSRI medications, but it can provide your body with amino acids it needs to make serotonin. This could result in higher serotonin, less depression and a happier mood.
