Depression is a serious mental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. While therapy and medication are essential in treating depression, proper nutrition also plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy mental state.

Here are 30 foods that will help in fighting depression.

1. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate triggers the production of endorphins, the chemicals in the brain that produce feelings of happiness. It also contains flavonoids that help reduce inflammation, which is linked to depression.

2. Fatty Fish

Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which is essential for maintaining healthy brain function. Omega-3 also helps in reducing inflammation and improving overall mood.

3. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are packed with folate, which is essential in producing serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood. They also contain antioxidants that lower inflammation in the brain.

4. Bananas

Bananas contain high levels of tryptophan, an amino acid that is essential in producing serotonin. They are also rich in vitamin B6, which helps convert tryptophan into serotonin.

5. Nuts

Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews are rich in magnesium, which is essential in maintaining healthy brain function. They also contain tryptophan and omega-3 fatty acids that help in reducing inflammation and boosting mood.

6. Berries

Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries contain high levels of antioxidants that lower inflammation in the brain. They also help in improving brain function and overall mood.

7. Eggs

Eggs are a rich source of vitamin D, which is essential in maintaining healthy brain function. They also contain choline, an essential nutrient that aids in producing serotonin.

8. Avocados

Avocados contain high levels of monounsaturated fat, which is essential in maintaining healthy brain function. They also contain tryptophan and folate that aid in producing serotonin.

9. Beans

Beans such as chickpeas, lentils, and black beans are rich in folate, which is essential in producing serotonin. They also contain fiber that helps in reducing inflammation and improving overall mood.

10. Turmeric

Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing inflammation in the brain. It also helps in producing serotonin and boosting mood.

11. Lean Meat

Lean meat such as chicken and turkey contain high levels of tryptophan, an amino acid that is essential in producing serotonin. They also contain vitamin B12 that aids in healthy brain function.

12. Low-Fat Dairy

Low-fat dairy such as milk and yogurt are rich in calcium, which is essential in maintaining healthy brain function. They also contain vitamin D that aids in producing serotonin.

13. Whole Grains

Whole grains such as oats and brown rice contain high levels of fiber that help in reducing inflammation in the brain. They also contain vitamins B6 and folate that aid in producing serotonin.

14. Seeds

Seeds such as flaxseed and chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber that help in reducing inflammation in the brain. They also contain magnesium and tryptophan that aid in producing serotonin.

15. Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain high levels of lycopene, an antioxidant that lowers inflammation in the brain. They also contain folate that aids in producing serotonin.

16. Mushrooms

Mushrooms contain high levels of vitamin D that aids in healthy brain function. They also contain selenium, an antioxidant that helps in reducing inflammation in the brain.

17. Fermented Foods

Fermented foods such as kimchi and sauerkraut contain probiotics that aid in lowering inflammation in the brain. They also help in improving overall mood and brain function.

18. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that aid in healthy brain function. It also contains antioxidants that lower inflammation in the brain.

19. Green Tea

Green tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which helps in reducing stress and anxiety. It also contains antioxidants that aid in reducing inflammation in the brain.

20. Oysters

Oysters contain high levels of zinc, which is essential in maintaining healthy brain function. They also contain vitamin B12 that aids in producing serotonin.

21. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes contain high levels of vitamin B6 and fiber that aid in producing serotonin and reducing inflammation in the brain. They also contain antioxidants that help in improving overall brain function.

22. Oranges

Oranges contain high levels of vitamin C, which aids in reducing inflammation in the brain. They also aid in improving overall mood and brain function.

23. Broccoli

Broccoli contains high levels of vitamin C and K, which aid in reducing inflammation in the brain. It also contains folate that aids in producing serotonin.

24. Quinoa

Quinoa is a rich source of magnesium and fiber that help in reducing inflammation in the brain. It also contains vitamin B2 and folate that aid in producing serotonin.

25. Spinach

Spinach is a rich source of vitamins C, E, and K, which aid in reducing inflammation in the brain. It also contains folate that aids in producing serotonin.

26. Beets

Beets contain high levels of nitrates that aid in improving blood flow to the brain. They also contain vitamin C and folate that aid in reducing inflammation in the brain.

27. Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts contain high levels of vitamin K, which aids in reducing inflammation in the brain. It also contains folate that aids in producing serotonin.

28. Asparagus

Asparagus is a rich source of vitamin K and folate that aid in producing serotonin and reducing inflammation in the brain.

29. Grapes

Grapes contain high levels of antioxidants that aid in reducing inflammation in the brain. They also help in improving overall brain function and mood.

30. Cinnamon

Cinnamon contains antioxidants that aid in reducing inflammation in the brain. It also helps in regulating blood sugar levels, which is essential in maintaining healthy brain function.