Posted on by Cleverona Kitchen

6 Foods for Better Mental Health

There are foods that would improve cardiovascular health. There is a certain diet prescribed for people suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, or cancer. But did you know that there are foods for a better mental health? There are some dietary changes that could help boost your cognitive function. These foods can help reduce depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Here are the foods that can help your brain work at its best:

Fatty Fish

In studies, foods that are packed with omega-3 fatty acids have been proven to reduce symptoms of depression, attention deficit, schizophrenia, hyperactivity, and other mental disorders. Fish like salmon, herring, sardines, and mackerel are packed with omega-3 which has an effect on the production of neurotransmitters including dopamine and serotonin.

Grab the recipe for Honey Mustard Salmon In Foil here.

Yogurt with Active Cultures

Yogurt with active cultures and other fermented foods contain probiotics which help reduce anxiety and stress hormones. Ideally, you need to avoid processed foods because these things compromise the balance between healthy and unhealthy bacteria in the body.

Here's how you make a Homemade Yogurt.

Whole Grains

Your brain needs glucose for energy, and you’ll find glucose in carbohydrates like whole wheat products, wild rice, oats, bulgur, beans, barley, and soy. Complex carbs are the best choice when it comes to energy. These carbs release glucose slowly which helps you feel full longer. They provide a steady source of fuel for the body and brain.

Grab the recipe for strawberry banana oat bars here.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens include spinach, turnip, romaine, broccoli, mustard greens, beets, and lentils are packed with vitamins that help with depression, fatigue, and insomnia. Broccoli, beets, and lentils are high in folic acid. Broccoli also contains selenium which helps stabilizes with reproduction, immune system function, and thyroid hormone metabolism. Low levels of selenium in the body contribute to anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Aside from leafy greens, you will also get selenium from chicken, onions, walnuts, brazil nuts, seafood, and whole-grain products.

Grab the recipe for Broccoli and Cheddar Twice-Baked Potatoes here.

Lean Protein

Foods that are packed with lean protein can help produce neurotransmitter serotonin, a mood inducing hormone. Learn protein sources include fish, chicken, eggs, beans, and turkey. Salmon, for instance, is a great source of protein, vitamin D, and potassium. It is a great source of DHA omega 3 and vitamin B.

Get the recipe for this Black Bean Taco Salad here.

Liver

Liver – it’s either you like it or you don’t. Love it or hate it! You could fry the liver with onions – that’s one great way to enjoy liver. You could add it on your sandwich or make pate for your crackers. These are just a couple of other ways to add liver to your diet. Chicken liver is flavorful. It is high in potassium, iron, protein, zinc, selenium, niacin, B6 and folate.

Grab the recipe for the best ever chicken liver pate.

When preparing any of these recipes, make sure that you have the right kitchen tools. Check out our store for the items that might help you prepare these yummy dishes.