Depression is a serious condition that affects most of us at one point in our lives. Especially during the winter months, as the winter blues can have a negative effect on your mood. The stress of the holidays and the lack of sunlight can leave us in a funk, and when you add in the indulgent, unhealthy holiday foods into the mix, your brain and body are left craving nutrients. A lack of nutrients can affect the way we think and feel, so eating smart and reaching for healthy food may actually be the best recipe for happiness.
Eating a balanced diet does more than help your waistline, it can also help put your mind at ease. If you are looking to ward off feelings of depression, check out some of the best mood-boosting foods to add to your diet.
Spirulina– A blue-green algae, spirulina is excellent for boosting your mood, energy, and strength. Rich in protein, spirulina is chock full of iron, beta-carotene, antioxidants, chlorophyll, as well as Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
Avocado– Reaching for an avocado is a great way to put yourself in a better mood. Want to know the reason behind this? Avocados are a good source of folate and omega-3 fatty acids, which are both great for brain health and is an excellent mood booster.
Cacao– Raw, organic cacao is unprocessed chocolate, and while you may not think that chocolate is a superfood, it most certainly is. The processed, sugary packaged chocolate bars you find in the supermarket don’t count, but pure cacao is rich in magnesium and tryptophan, making it a powerful mood enhancer.
Almonds– Eating almonds are an excellent way to stave off food cravings, fill you up, and boost your mood. It is believed that eating at least 23 almonds a day can help improve your mood and this is because these nuts are chock full of magnesium. Magnesium is essential for alleviating depression and maintaining good brain health.
Eggs– Known as the perfect protein, an egg contains much-needed amino acids, such as L-tyrosine that aids in the creation of norepinephrine and dopamine, both which help fend off feelings of depression. This protein heavy breakfast food also helps your body produce serotonin. Low-levels of serotonin have been linked to depression, so make sure you add this wonder food to your daily diet.
Maca– Maca is a Peruvian root that is dried and sold in powdered form. You can find maca powder in many health food stores, as it has been growing in popularity, and for a good reason. Maca has the ability to help balance hormones for both men and women and works with the needs of your body. A powerful adaptogen, maca is excellent at decreasing stress levels and is excellent for depression.
