What Should You Be Eating for Your Mental Health?
Eating well is just as important for your physical health as it is for your mind. Diet is one of the largest factors that impacts your mental health as it can alleviate or agitate your symptoms. Don’t worry; slight variations in what you eat are natural and won’t wreck your mental health. It’s the overall state of your diet that matters. Here are the foods you should eat to improve your mental health and which you should avoid. You can also prioritize your mental health by valuing mealtimes and focusing on foods that make you happy.
Foods to Eat That Boost Your Mental Health:
Whole Foods: Generally, it’s best to eat as much of a nutrient-dense, well-balanced diet as possible. A large part of that will be whole foods. Studies have found that a diet rich in whole foods, like fruits and vegetables, can decrease the risk of depression and anxiety. Essentially, you worry less, decrease tension and feel more joyful when you’re eating foods that are good for your body.
You’re eating for your body, but also your brain. Focusing on foods beneficial for enzyme function ensures the brain is working properly. If you’re unsure where to start, consider the Mediterranean diet, which can help improve memory, cognition and age-related brain atrophy. A systematic review found that adhering to a healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet, can help decrease the risk of depression. This diet includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables and seafood.
Excerpted from CNET
