The researchers narrowed down the top 10 raw fruits and vegetables they found to be associated with better mental health and fewer symptoms of depression. These include carrots, dark leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, cucumber, apples, bananas, grapefruit, other citrus fruits, fresh berries, and kiwifruit.
Blueberries
When we're anxious and stressed, our bodies crave vitamin C to help repair and protect our cells, and blueberries are packed full of it. Small but mighty, blueberries are bursting with antioxidants and vitamin C which have been shown to provide anxiety relief.
Eat foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains — for example, oatmeal, quinoa, whole-grain breads and whole-grain cereals. Steer clear of foods that contain simple carbohydrates, such as sugary foods and drinks. Drink plenty of water. Even mild dehydration can affect your mood.
Bananas. Bananas may help turn a frown upside down. They're high in vitamin B6, which helps synthesize feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin ( 20 ).
Eating fruits and vegetables, like apples, produces a calming effect, creates more energy, and increases overall happiness, according to the British Journal of Health Psychology. For recipes starring apples, try 11 Swoon-Worthy Ways to Eat a Whole Baked Apple For Dessert. There's a reason why Popeye ate it.
They analyzed plant and animal foods separately. Among the top plant antidepressant foods are watercress, spinach, lettuces, fresh herbs, peppers, pumpkin, cauliflower, lemon and strawberry. Antidepressant animal foods include oysters, clams, mussels, crab, tuna, lobster, salmon, herring and snapper.
Citrus Fruits and Strawberries Contain Vitamin C, Which Help Fight Stress. Some studies have found that high levels of vitamin C may help ease stress levels.
Avocado and eggs on toast is, according to experts, the 'perfect' breakfast for people at risk of depression. Speaking to Quartz, she explained that they should start each day with eggs, sprouted-grain toast and smashed avocado.
Bananas are a tasty and convenient snack, and bananas help depression. That's because the fruit contains serotonin, an essential neurotransmitter that balances mood and daily functioning. Most antidepressants work to boost serotonin levels in the brain.
If you eat lots of processed meat, fried food, refined cereals, candy, pastries, and high-fat dairy products, you're more likely to be anxious and depressed. A diet full of whole fiber-rich grains, fruits, vegetables, and fish can help keep you on a more even keel.
To boost your mental health, focus on eating plenty of fruits and vegetables along with foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon. Dark green leafy vegetables in particular are brain protective. Nuts, seeds and legumes, such as beans and lentils, are also excellent brain foods.
Foods naturally rich in magnesium may, therefore, help a person to feel calmer. Examples include leafy greens, such as spinach and Swiss chard. Other sources include legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Foods rich in zinc such as oysters, cashews, liver, beef, and egg yolks have been linked to lowered anxiety.
Avocados are also rich in folate, which research indicates could aid in reducing symptoms of depression. They also contain a good amount of vitamin K. One observational study found that older adults who consumed more vitamin K in their diets tended to have lower symptoms of depression.
Choose lean protein: Focus on consuming lean protein sources such as poultry, fish, eggs and plant-based proteins like beans, peas, nuts, nut butters, and soy products. Increase physical activity: All diet programs emphasize the importance of including exercise.
Berries. If you are a fruit lover, we have great news—berries have natural properties that can boost brain health and calm your nervous system. Blueberries, raspberries, and more are all packed with vitamins and minerals that the nervous system craves.
Drinking plain water is associated with decreased risk of depression and anxiety in adults: Results from a large cross-sectional study.
Vitamin B-3 and Vitamin B-9 can help people with depression because B vitamins help the brain manage moods. Vitamin D, melatonin and St. John's Wort are recommended for seasonal depression. Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium and vitamin C may also help with depression.
Serotonin does not occur in the foods we eat, however it is synthesized from tryptophan, an amino acid. Tryptophan is mostly found in high protein foods, like meat, fish and poultry.