This World Mental Health Day, prioritise your mental being through the food you eat! Do you know many foods are now scientifically proven to act as mood enhancers? Keep reading to find out how what you eat is directly related to your mental health!

In India, mental health is a subject that is highly stigmatized. Most of the population may not even beaware of this word, but they contribute to their own mental health by what they do, eat, connect with etc! Today we are here to talk about the contribution of food to your mental well-being.

Here are a list of foods that can positively affect your mental health!

Beans

What to have – 

Chickpeas, lentils and kidney beans

Why to have – 

Oozing with fibre and antioxidants they – keep you fuller for longer; stabilize your blood sugar levels; enable you to burn more energy which in turn boosts mental health. Moreover their thiamine produces acetylcholine which is the neurotransmitter essential for memory.

Berries

What to have – 

Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries 

Why to have – 

These are the perfect snack to get your antioxidant fix. They help in repairing cells, as well as facilitate combating inflammation caused by free radical damage; and also alleviate symptoms associated with anxiety and depression.  Moreover berries also contain polyphenols, which strengthen memory, concentration and attention span.

Fermented Foods

What to have – 

Unsweetened yoghurts, Kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut

Why to have – 

All these products are choc-a-bloc with probiotics which enable your digestive system to run smoothly; moreover research claims the strong brain-gut connect which can facilitate alleviation in stress, anxiety and depression.

Oily Fish

What to have – 

Salmon, trout, prawn

Why to have – 

They are replete with Omega-3 fatty acid known as DHA which not only improves memory but also boosts feelings of mental health and wellness and reduces anxiety levels.

Rainbow Fruits and Veggies

What to have – 

Leafy greens like spinach, kale and collard greens; crisp carrots and apples; and brightly-hued capsicums and bananas.

Why to have – 

These slow down your cognitive decline 

Walnuts

Why to have – 

Well besides being absolutely yummy the antioxidants in them help inhibit oxidation in the brain and the body; and walnuts spur the growth of new neurons – meaning new brain cells – which are integral for maintaining good mental health.

Whole-grains

What to have – 

Corn, brown rice, quinoa, oats, rye and barley

Why to have – 

Whole-grains are replete with tryptophan - an amino acid that helps to produce serotonin which in common man’s parlance is the ‘feel good hormone’.  It is serotonin that pacifies the mind, elevates the mood and helps keep the body’s sleep cycle healthy.

So gorge on the above and boost your mental health!