Usually, food is associated with its impacts on physical health. But one neglected fact is how food can impact your mental health. There are certain fruits and vegetables that can boost your mental health like avocados, beets, fish, and eggs owing to their rich nutritional component.
Highlights:
- Food has a direct relation to your mental health.
- Certain foods like broccoli, avocados, beets, and leafy green vegetables are known to have a positive impact on your mental health.
- Incorporate these foods into your diet and consult a nutritionist to know more about the foods that boost your mental health.
Let us see the relationship between food and mood and how it can impact your mental health.
Relationship Between Food and Mental Health
Although the prevalence of mental health issues is owed to the ever-increasing workload and societal pressures, some of it is affected by the food we eat. Have you ever wondered what the burger that gives you immediate pleasure does to your mind and body in the long run?
Let us see how food can affect your mental health.
How To Boost Your Mental Health?
Foods rich in nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and proteins contribute to reducing levels of anxiety and improving mental health. It can also prevent you from many ailments such as obesity, some types of cancers, diabetes II, heart diseases, and even stroke.
Researchers say that consuming at least 3 servings of fruits and vegetables daily can be very beneficial for your mental health. When you eat suitable kinds of food, your body yields more serotonin, It is a hormone that regulates your mood, sleep, and appetite.
Fruits And Vegetables To Boost Mental Health
Here is a list of the best fruits for mental health.
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Avocados
Avocado is one of the healthiest fruit you can consume. While avocados often get a poor reputation because of their high fat content, it is rich in vitamin K and folate and helps prevent blood clots in the brain. Thus, providing protection against stroke. It also helps to improve memory and concentration.
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Beets
Beets are classified as outstanding food for boosting mental health. The natural nitrate in beets boosts blood flow to the brain, helping with good mental performance.
Apart from their positive effect on the brain, they are high in antioxidants which protect you against cancer.
Also read: How to Reduce the Risk of Cancer with Diet?
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Broccoli
Broccoli does not need any introduction when it comes to healthy foods. Vitamin K and antioxidants are present abundantly in broccoli.
Vitamin K is essential for the production of sphingolipids. Sphingolipid is a type of fat and is densely packed in the brain cells. Studies also link a higher intake of vitamin K to better memory in older adults. The antioxidants in broccoli prevent the brain from oxidative damage. They are packed with antioxidants that can prevent oxidative damage to your brain cells.
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Blueberries, Blackberries, and Raspberries
These are full of antioxidants and effective flavonoids that can keep your memory sharp. Blueberries are especially good at protecting our brains from stress and depression and hence, are considered the best food for mental health improvement.
Also read: Foods Rich in Antioxidants for a Healthy Diet
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Leafy Green Vegetables
Leafy greens such as spinach, turnip, and broccoli are high in folic acid. Deficiencies associated with these nutrients are responsible for higher rates of depression, fatigue, and insomnia. If you are suffering from mental health issues, you should consult the top psychiatrist to get the help you need.
Green, leafy vegetables are also a source of vitamins A and K and are the best vegetables for mental health. Also, they help fight inflammation and keep bones strong.
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Oranges
Vitamin C is a key factor in preventing memory loss and mental decline. The first thing that comes to your mind after reading about vitamin C is oranges. Right?
Of course, oranges are loaded with vitamin C and are easy to consume. Chugging down a glass of orange juice will give you all the vitamin C you need. The antioxidants loaded in oranges are essential to prevent your brain and other organs from oxidative damage.
Some other Foods Options
Some other food options for a healthy mind and body include;
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Wild salmon
- Turmeric
- Eggs
- Walnuts
- Tomatoes
- Pumpkin Seed
The Bottom Line
It is important to know that the food you put inside your body has a direct impact on your health. Good food contributes to a healthy mind and a happy soul.
You can book an appointment with top nutritionists in Pakistan through Marham by calling our helpline at 0311-1222398 or by online appointment booking facility through the website or Marham mobile app.
FAQ:
1. Can foods help with depression?
Certain foods like walnuts, tomatoes, eggs, avocados, and yogurt are known to have a positive impact on treating depression. They can help you boost your mood and alleviate the symptoms of depression. However, it is important to consult a psychiatrist for professional treatment and advice.
2. What are the snacks that can boost your boost?
Coffee, dark chocolate, and bananas are the go-to snacks if you are looking to boost your mood instantly. Apart from these, there are plenty of other food options like kiwi, apples, and strawberries that can help you with low mood and sadness.
3. What is the price of bananas in Pakistan?
You can buy bananas at about 300-400 PKR per dozen in Pakistan. The price may vary based on the quality of the fruits and the area where you’re buying them.