Depression is a mental disorder that negatively affects the way we think, feel and act. It can be a severe condition that ultimately leads to suicide if left untreated.
It affects millions of people worldwide, and its treatment may require the use of medication, therapy and lifestyle changes. However, certain foods can help boost the brain’s ability to fight depression. In this article, we will explore the top 30 foods that can help kick depression away.
1. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which help to increase blood flow to the brain, thereby improving cognitive performance. It also contains serotonin, which helps to regulate mood and alleviate symptoms of depression.
2. Salmon
Salmon is a high-protein, fatty fish that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help promote good brain health. Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to reduce inflammation in the brain, which can cause depression.
3. Blueberries
Blueberries are a superfood that contains antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals in the brain. Free radicals can damage brain cells and contribute to depression.
4. Almonds
Almonds are a high-protein nut that is rich in vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation in the brain.
5. Spinach
Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that contains folate (vitamin B9). Folate has been found to be effective in preventing and alleviating symptoms of depression.
6. Avocado
Avocado is a high-fat fruit that is rich in monounsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats are essential for good brain health and can help alleviate symptoms of depression.
7. Yogurt
Yogurt is a fermented milk product that is a great source of probiotics. Probiotics help to maintain a healthy gut, which is vital for good brain health.
8. Broccoli
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that contains sulforaphane, a compound that helps reduce inflammation in the brain.
9. Eggs
Eggs are a high-protein food that is rich in choline. Choline is a nutrient that helps maintain good brain health and has been found to alleviate symptoms of depression.
10. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a fruit that is rich in lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals in the brain.
11. Turkey
Turkey is a high-protein meat that is rich in tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid that helps the brain produce serotonin, which helps regulate mood and alleviate symptoms of depression.
12. Walnuts
Walnuts are a high-protein nut that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for good brain health and can help alleviate symptoms of depression.
13. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a high-protein seed that is rich in magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral that helps maintain good brain health and is essential in the production of serotonin.
14. Oats
Oats are a high-fiber grain that is rich in tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid that helps the brain produce serotonin, which helps regulate mood and alleviate symptoms of depression.
15. Oranges
Oranges are a citrus fruit that is rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals in the brain.
16. Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are a high-protein nut that is rich in selenium. Selenium is a mineral that is essential for good brain health and has been found to alleviate symptoms of depression.
17. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable that is rich in choline. Choline helps maintain good brain health and has been found to alleviate symptoms of depression.
18. Lentils
Lentils are a high-protein legume that is rich in folate (vitamin B9). Folate has been found to be effective in preventing and alleviating symptoms of depression.
19. Beef
Beef is a high-protein meat that is rich in iron. Iron is a mineral that is essential for good brain health and has been found to alleviate symptoms of depression.
20. Peanuts
Peanuts are a high-protein nut that is rich in niacin (vitamin B3). Niacin helps maintain good brain health and has been found to alleviate symptoms of depression.
21. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a high-protein cheese that is a great source of calcium. Calcium is a mineral that is essential for good brain health and has been found to alleviate symptoms of depression.
22. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a cruciferous vegetable that is rich in vitamin K. Vitamin K is an essential nutrient for good brain health and has been found to alleviate symptoms of depression.
23. Tuna
Tuna is a high-protein fish that is rich in vitamin D. Vitamin D is a nutrient that is essential for good brain health and has been found to alleviate symptoms of depression.
24. Brown Rice
Brown rice is a high-fiber grain that is rich in magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral that helps maintain good brain health and is essential in the production of serotonin.
25. Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are a fruit that is rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals in the brain.
26. Chicken
Chicken is a high-protein meat that is rich in selenium. Selenium is a mineral that is essential for good brain health and has been found to alleviate symptoms of depression.
27. Quinoa
Quinoa is a high-fiber grain that is rich in tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid that helps the brain produce serotonin, which helps regulate mood and alleviate symptoms of depression.
28. Apples
Apples are a fruit that is rich in quercetin. Quercetin is an antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals in the brain.
29. Sardines
Sardines are a high-protein fish that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for good brain health and can help alleviate symptoms of depression.
30. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a root vegetable that is rich in vitamin A. Vitamin A is a nutrient that is essential for good brain health and has been found to alleviate symptoms of depression.