Skip to main content

Superfoods that Fight Depression

We’ve all had the blues once in while.  But when they happen on a more frequent basis, it becomes cause for concern. But there are ways to adjust your diet to help stabilize your mood. It’s imperative to eat meals at regular intervals in order to keep your serotonin levels in check, a chemical in the brain that has a calming effect.  Good nutrition is your best defense for managing depression. 


Carbohydrates are linked to serotonin production and lack of carbohydrates may cause changes in your mood. Here are more food ideas to help you combat depression and kick those blues.

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon and mackerel are always a great choice for dinner.  Omega-3 fatty acids also help prevent heart disease and stroke and may help prevent some cancers. Plus, salmon contains selenium, an important antioxidant mineral. Be sure to choose wild salmon at the grocery store or local fish market, since it contains more omegas than farmed, or Atlantic, salmon.

A recent study indicated that people who suffer from depression also have lower levels of the antioxidant vitamin E.  So, though oil is high in fat and should be consumed in strict moderation, canola oil is rich in vitamin E. It’s a healthier alternative for sautéing foods and vegetables.

Dark green vegetables like spinach and peas are high in folate, a key player in the production of serotonin.  They’re also an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber. Fresh is always the best option, as canned versions tend to have lower nutritional value. Legumes are also high in folate and protein and low in fat, and are an excellent option for those who are vegetarian or meat-restricted diets. 

Chickpeas are rich in fiber, iron, and vitamin E. For a simple snack, combine a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas with some minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and olive or canola oil in your blender or food processor. Add salt, pepper and other spices as you wish. The resulting hummus makes a healthy and hearty vegetable dip.

Chicken and turkey are both rich in vitamin B6, which plays a role in serotonin production in the body. They are both a good source of selenium and other vitamins and minerals, too.

And please, if you’ve been dealing with the symptoms of depression for a while, please contact your doctor to discuss available treatment options and medication that may be available to you.


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

5 Medicinal benefits of Sugarcane

Sugarcane is a tropical, perennial grass that forms lateral shoots at the base to produce multiple stems, typically three to four meters high and about five centimeters in diameter. The stems grow into cane stalk, which when mature constitutes approximately 75% of the entire plant. A mature stalk is typically composed of 11–16% fiber, 12–16% soluble sugars, 2–3% non-sugars, and 63–73% water. A sugarcane crop is sensitive to the climate, soil type, irrigation, fertilizers, insects, disease control, varieties, and the harvest period. The average yield of cane stalk is 60-70 tonnes per hectare per year, however this figure can vary between 30 and 180 tonnes per hectare depending on knowledge and  crop management approach used in sugarcane cultivation. Sugarcane is a cash crop , but it is also used as livestock fodder. [ 6] 1. Sugarcane juice increases vigour and sexual ability. 2. improvement takes place in burning in urine, thirst, cough, fever, indigestion, joint pain et
3 comments
Read more

Investing in penny stocks

Investing in penny stocks The first question is 'To invest or not invest' in penny stocks. This is largely a personal decision that reflects your risk profile. If have the capacity as well as the nature to take greater risks, you could be looking at penny stocks. If your financial position is not very strong, and you have little spare money to invest, it is better that you keep off penny stocks altogether and look at established stocks only. Similarly, even if you have a lot of money to spare but are generally averse to taking risks, it is better that you don’t invest in penny stocks. If you are the kind of person, who likes to take risks in order to increase your returns, and can afford to lose some money if it comes to that, then you could look at penny stocks. 
2 comments
Read more

Shocking and Interesting Facts about Stuttering

Shocking and Interesting Facts about Stuttering How do people usually react when they hear someone stutter? They most likely make fun of the stuttering person. And how do people usually perceive someone who stutters? Stupid, dumb, or even good for nothing. A person’s competence or personality is always judged based on how good a speaker he is. That is a sad reality for many people who tend to stutter. Whether you are among the 1 percent of the world’s population that stutters or not, it helps to know and understand the basic facts about this speech condition to put things in a better perspective. This is especially helpful for parents with children who stutter. 
Post a Comment
Read more