A simple trip to the grocery store may prove to be a daunting experience, particularly for people living with depression or anxiety. If you’re one of those people, this article will help change your thinking about the whole stressful grocery shopping ordeal. The thing is, whatever you put in your cart is actually a chance to improve your mental well-being. Never underestimate the power of the foods you eat to boost your mood.
You probably already know that a diet consisting of vegetables and fruits is way more better than a diet consisting greasy, fried foods. But did you know that by adding the following six items to your shopping list, you’ll be fortifying your mind even more against depression and anxiety? Read on to find out what they are.
6) Red Wine
Here’s another excuse to drink more of that merlot. According to an Australian study, people suffering from major depression showed a significant improvement in their depressive symptoms by following a healthy diet. Aside from consuming a diet full of vegetables, fruits, lean meat and whole grains, the diet also included two glasses of red wine everyday with their meals. It’s important to note, though, that the key here is moderation as various studies have also shown that excessive alcohol intake increases depressive symptoms.
5) Fat
Never pass on those eggs again at breakfast! Although it might sound strange, fat is actually a crucial part of a healthy diet. In fact, it’s especially essential in cultivating mental health. Studies have shown that diets consisting of healthy fats from egg yolks to olive oil have been linked to lowered rates of depression and anxiety.
4) Sweet Potatoes
There have been studies that have linked gluten-rich diet and mental health. According to these studies, the damage in your digestive system due to gluten causes substances to leak out from your gut and travel to the brain, which in turn, causes depression. For people with Celiac disease, consuming a gluten-free diet is important and may also help decrease depressive symptoms. Foods like sweet potatoes, rice, fruits, vegetables, beans and eggs are not only gluten-free but great sources of nutrition as well.
3) Turkey
Tryptophan, the amino acid found in turkey is actually a precursor to serotonin in your grey matter. Once you consume tryptophan, it’s automatically converted to serotonin in your brain. Studies have shown that low levels of serotonin are associated to depression, anxiety and suicide. Experts believe that eating tryptophan on an empty stomach actually replenishes and restores serotonin levels in the brain. No wonder thanksgiving dinner makes us so happy.
2) Carbs
You read that right, carbs are not actually evil. Eating a low-carb diet has actually been linked to depressive symptoms as suggested by scientific studies. The key here is to choose carbs that are high in fiber and low in Glycemic index like apples, beans, sweet potatoes, yogurt and milk.
1) Coffee
This is good news for coffee lovers everywhere! It turns out that your daily morning cup of java can literally make you happier.
Low levels of dopamine in the brain have been linked to depression and since coffee helps raise dopamine levels, it could protect you against anxiety and depressive symptoms. It’s important to note, though, that you should learn to listen to your body as there are also some people who find that drinking too much coffee aggravates their anxiety and depressive symptoms.
