While you probably already know that eating healthy is essential for your physical health, you may not be aware that there are several foods that can boost your mental health as well. Refined sugar and simple carbohydrates may boost your mood temporarily, but the crash that follows a short time later can have a negative impact on your overall health. If you are focusing on maintaining your mental health as well as your physical health, here are 10 food you should incorporate into your diet.
Olive Oil
Known for its variety of brain-boosting benefits, olive oil is a healthy fat rich in polyphenols. It helps improve memory and learning ability, and as an added bonus, it is more heart-healthy than other cooking oils.
Salmon
Rich in Vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is a healthy superfood that boosts memory and concentration. Both of these elements have also been shown to boost happiness and decrease the risk of developing depression.
Avocados
Eating avocado regularly is an easy, delicious way to improve your brain function. Rich in folate, Vitamin K and lutein, avocado is a healthy fat that leaves you feeling full and satisfied after eating it. This nutrient also boosts happiness and reduces your risk of stroke.
Chicken
Like salmon, chicken is rich in amino acids, especially in tryptophan. This vitamin boosts serotonin levels, so eating chicken regularly can leave you feeling happy, full and satisfied. As a result, it helps reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress.
Dark Chocolate
You may be tempted to reach for a bag of chocolate when you are feeling down, but as long as you reach for a bag of dark chocolate, you don’t have to feel guilty about your choice. Because it is rich in certain antioxidants called flavonoids, dark chocolate is a wonderful mood enhancer without all of the excess sugar in milk chocolate.
Tomatoes
The nutrient lycopene, which causes the rich, red coloring of tomatoes, is known to boost brain function and protect against brain disease. Regular consumption also improves logic and concentration.
Spinach
Leafy greens such as spinach contain high amounts of folic acids. Known to enhance mood and happiness, this nutrient also improves overall brain function.
Nuts
Many nuts are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, making them excellent mood boosters. Some nut varieties also contain other vital nutrients such as dopamine and phenylalanine which have been shown to improve overall satisfaction and reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.
Yogurt
While probiotics as most often associated with digestive health, they can be incredibly effective at reducing stress and anxiety. Yogurt is a great source of probiotics because it contains high amounts of active cultures.
Whole Grains
Your body relies on carbohydrates to produce the energy it needs to function. Consuming too many simple carbohydrates can make you feel tired and sluggish, but eating a variety of whole grains containing complex carbohydrates can help boost your brain function. Whole grains help your body absorb tryptophan, which reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. If you’re looking for other ways to boost your mental health, visit the website Vigyaa for information on understanding and caring for your overall health.
