If you find yourself feeling tired, moody or just generally run down, it could be caused by the foods you are eating.
How do Foods Affect Our Moods?
Food is made up of chemical compounds that can directly alter the brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that control our normal function on a day-to-day basis.
When we are lacking in neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine or if they are inefficient in their uptake ability, low mood often results. Surprisingly, certain food components can cause an influence on the level of neurotransmitters, meaning that what you eat can effect the management of depression.
Superfoods can Boost Your Mood
Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring contain high levels of Omega 3s that are rich in the EPA. This acts as a natural yet powerful anti-depressant.
Wholegrain cereals such as pasta, breads, oats and brown
rice help to raise tryptophan levels in the brain which is used to produce Serotonin. Serotonin is the “feel-good” neurotransmitter thought responsible for symptoms of depression if it is deficient.
Serotonin absorption is helped by good levels of folate. Dark green vegetables, such as Spinach and peas are rich in folate so will contribute to the absorption of Serotonin.
Chicken and turkey are two excellent meat choices that are rich in the Vitamin B6 which is essential to serotonin production in the body.
Soy beans, hemp, lentils and edamame beans are rich in protein and help to stabilize blood sugar levels that may influence mood.
Ground flaxseeds, which are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, and may stablise the mood by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain.
Legumes and soy, which both contain rich amounts of the B vitamin Thiamine that is essential to a stable cognitive and sharp memory function, as well as to building healthy brain cells.
Avocados, which are rich in both Omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin E, an anti-oxidant found deficient in most Depression patients.
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