9 Foods to Banish Your Blues
Banana
Bananas contain a substance called alkaloid, which can boost your mood and confidence. Moreover, bananas are a super source of tryptophan and Vitamin B6, which help the brain produce serotonin, reducing depression.
Deep-water Fish
Research shows that people living by the sea tend to be happier. This isn't just because the sea is refreshing; the main reason is that fish is a staple in their diet. A Harvard University research report指出 that the Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil have similar effects to common antidepressants like lithium carbonate.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit not only has a rich aroma but can also clear a cluttered mind and refresh your senses. The high amount of Vitamin C in grapefruit can not only boost your body's immunity but also help you cope with stress. Most importantly, Vitamin C is a key component in the production of dopamine and norepinephrine.
Spinach
In addition to being rich in iron, spinach also contains folate, which the human body needs. Medical literature consistently points out that a deficiency in folate can lead to mental illnesses, including depression and early-onset dementia. Studies have also found that people with a folate deficiency for over five months experience insomnia, as well as symptoms like forgetfulness and anxiety.
Garlic
A German study on the effects of garlic on cholesterol found, through patient questionnaires, that after taking garlic pills, they felt less tired, less anxious, and less irritable.
Pumpkin
Pumpkins can create a good mood because they are rich in Vitamin B6 and iron. These two nutrients help the body convert stored blood sugar into glucose, which is the brain's only "happy fuel."
Low-fat Milk
The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York found that after women with premenstrual syndrome took 1000mg of calcium supplements for three months, three-quarters of them experienced relief from tension, irritability, or anxiety to varying degrees.
Whole Wheat Bread
Dr. Judith Wurtman of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology stated that eating complex carbohydrates like whole wheat bread and soda crackers, which contain trace minerals like selenium, can improve mood, acting like an antidepressant.
Chicken
After British psychologists Benton and Cook gave subjects 100 micrograms of selenium, the subjects普遍 reported feeling much better and having more coordinated thoughts. Rich sources of selenium include chicken, seafood, and whole grains.