Magical Foods To Boost YOUR Mental Health and Wellness 

While the entire medical fraternity is laying thrust on immunity boosting food very few are talking about the need to have food that elevates the mental health. 

The pandemic has not only wreaked havoc with lives and livelihoods and torn apart the health infrastructure of stalwart countries too but the worst part is that it has created fear, depression and mental uneasiness in the minds of thousands rather millions of people … the cascading effect of which will have catastrophic consequences.

There’s a lovely quote in Hindi which goes like – Man ke haare, haar hai; Man ke jeete, jeet. Which roughly translates to - your victory or failure is dependent on your mind…if you feel you’ll lose, then you’ll lose; but if you feel you’ll win, then you’ll win! Perhaps this explains why some people with serious co-morbidities also manage to fight corona even from the dark gloomy ICU chamber; while some succumb to a minor viral attack.

The crux of the matter here is to strengthen one’s mental will power and make one’s mind strong. So how does one do that – pranayama; meditation; bonding with the family; staying connected with optimistic friends et al and yes by eating food items that boost mental wellness.

Foodism has curated for you some items to boost your mental health and wellness. Here you go -

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!