What if I told you that by regularly eating these 5 foods along with maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you may experience depression less often and feel happier? After experimenting with various foods and combinations to alleviate depression, I have identified the top 5 foods that can help you combat depression.
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Salmon
During my battle with depression, I noticed that consuming extra salmon alleviated or even eliminated my depression symptoms. Through an experiment on individuals with different body types, I found that salmon indeed aids in boosting mood and improving mental health.
Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are highly anti-inflammatory. The omega-3s, particularly EPA and DHA, are crucial for brain and nervous system development. Therefore, consuming more fatty fish like salmon may reduce the likelihood of experiencing anxiety and depression.
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Berries
Cherries and dark berries are also great mood enhancers. Loaded with antioxidants, berries are rich in folate (vitamin B9), which supports the brain in producing serotonin and dopamine. They provide an antioxidant punch that reduces inflammation, which can lead to mood disorders.
Blueberries and blueberry juice have been associated with promoting a more positive mood. Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries can help reduce stress due to their high antioxidant content.
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Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate has long been known for its mood-altering properties, including increasing feelings of pleasure and enjoyment. It contains compounds that can boost mood and happiness, and has been shown to improve symptoms of depression and anxiety while enhancing feelings of calmness.
Dark chocolate is packed with fiber, iron, magnesium, and antioxidants, and can help prevent symptoms of depression. It is also associated with positive effects on mood and mental health.
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Smoothies
If you need to make up for a lack of nutrition and boost your energy and mood, smoothies can be a great option. Making a smoothie with your favorite fruits can significantly improve your physical and mental health.
After conducting an experiment, I drank smoothies almost every day for 2 weeks, and then didn’t drink any for a month. The difference was astonishing. Smoothies helped me stay focused, be more productive, and improve my mental health and sleep quality.
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Avocado, Spinach, and Kale
Dark green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale are rich in stress-busting magnesium, which helps balance the body’s stress hormone. They also contain zinc, iron, B vitamins like folate, and vitamins A and E that contribute to how energized you feel physically and mentally. The B vitamins in avocados may also help improve your mood.
Matt M. Eccles is the founder of Vitality and Happiness Blog. He is a philosopher, psychology enthusiast, wellness and digestion expert, author, and world traveler who is passionate about helping others reach and experience optimum health, true happiness, and increased vitality. The purpose of this website is to motivate and inspire people to handle life’s challenges. Uplift and encourage you to succeed in life and be happy and healthy, increase life quality, and become the best version of yourself.