Have you ever felt down and depressed and resorted to eating food to comfort yourself? Yes? So have I! Eating food can comfort just anyone, especially pizza because pizza is love. But there are specific foods which are known to help fight depression and boost your spirits. They will instantly lift you up and increase the amount of serotonin (happy hormone) in your body which will lift your mood and fight depression. Eating these foods will make your mood better from the first bite and help fight depression.
1. Chocolate
Not just any chocolate but eating the dark kind is one of the best mood boosting foods. Chocolate is metabolised by the chemical serotonin which is known as the happiness hormone.
2. Fruits
Fruits are packed with vitamins and minerals our body needs. They also help support our immune system and give our body energy in normal amounts as compared to processed sugars which give us a big kick and a bigger crash. Fruits will have you feeling lighter and more energetic.
3. Fish
Lack of Vitamin D has been linked to depression. Uur main source of Vitamin D is the sunlight. Since people who feel down don’t get out much, they don’t get as much Vitamin D as they need. Fish is a great source of Vitamin D for them.
4. Turkey
Many lean meats are helpful in fighting depression but turkey is the best because of its high content of tryptophan. Tryotophan stimulates serotonin production, making you happier.
5. Walnuts
Walnuts when eaten in moderation help us keep our hearts healthy, but they also contain Omega 3 fatty acids which support overall brain function; they help lessen the effects of depression.
6. Low fat dairy products
Low fat dairy items are not only rich in protein but they too contain Vitamin D and certain pep-tides which induce a sense of well-being and relaxation.
7. Green Tea
A power house of anti-oxidants, green tea has many healing qualities with depression fighting properties, such as an amino acid called theanine. Theanine provides an anti-stress relaxation benefit to the tea drinkers.
8. Oatmeal
This meal also causes you to make more serotonin which is a feel good chemical. It’s also a good source of protein and fibre and studies show people who have oatmeal for breakfast stay sharper throughout the day.
Though these foods will help you battle depression, the best thing to do if you are depressed or feel like you are depressed is talk to your family, friends and loved ones. Nothing will help you like they will.