Food and Mood: How Are They Linked?

Your diet plays a big role in several key factors, including your weight and your mood. This means that you are setting yourself for fewer mood fluctuations, an overall feeling of happiness, and an improved ability to focus. Lack of proper nutrition from food is linked to an overall feeling of sadness, more mood fluctuations, and you do not have the ability to focus.

The healthier you eat, the happier your mood is.

NUTRIENTS NEEDED FOR MENTAL HEALTH

1. Omega-3 Fats.
2. B Vitamins and Folate (Vitamin B9).
3. Amino Acids.
4. Minerals, Especially Iron, Magnesium, and Zinc.
5. Vitamin D.
6. Plant-Based Antioxidants.
7. Microbiotics.

9 FOODS TO EAT FOR MENTAL HEALTH

1. Salmon: Salmon is an extremely healthy food. One of the nutrients found in this fatty fish include omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential fats that your body cannot synthesize or make on its own. Another nutrient that salmon contains that it’s a rich source of is potassium, which is a mineral that can help treat anxiety. Salmon is also good for your brain.
2. Leafy Green Vegetables: Leafy greens such as spinach are rich sources of magnesium, which is an essential mineral for mental health. Spinach is also a source of potassium, which can help treat anxiety.
3. Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which is a type of antioxidant. Even though it is chocolate, dark chocolate has actually been shown to boost attention and memory, enhance one’s mood, and even fight cognitive decline in older adults.

4. Fermented Foods: Fermented foods such as kimchi, yogurt, tempeh, kombucha, which is a drink, and miso are all great sources of probiotics and other nutrients, which makes them a nutritious addition to your diet. These good bacteria not only are good for your gut but they also boost mental health.

5. Chicken: Chicken is a lean source of high-quality protein. It contains all of the amino acids important for the human body, but, tryptophan is the amino acid found in this meat that helps with mental health. It helps your body produce serotonin, which is important for fighting depression, your brain to manage your mood, and help maintain strong memory.

6. Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds are a good source of plant-based proteins, healthy fats, and fiber. Because it contains the healthy fats and proteins, therefore this may help boost your mood!

7. Bananas: Bananas actually may help turn your frown upside down and turn it into a happy smile. These yellow fruits are a rich source of prebiotics and potassium, both of which are linked to a better mood and better mental health. Finally, the vitamin B6 in them also help synthesize the feel-good neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin.

8. Oats: Oats are the best whole grain that can help someone keep in good spirits all morning. These foods are a good source of iron, and iron deficiency has been linked to mood disorders.

9. Berries: Eating more of your fruits and vegetables is linked to lower levels of depression. Berries are fruits that pack a lot of antioxidants which are excellent for your mental health.

Summary: Eating any of the foods above can help boost mental health. Food and mood are related because with unhealthy eating patterns, you will get obesity, and obesity leads to an increased risk for depression.