Top 14 Foods For Depression That Will Help Fight It

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression, which is a sad reality. Depression is a common and serious mental disorder that is accompanied by symptoms like loss of interest and pleasure in activities, feeling restless, having a decreased energy, irritability, having difficulty in concentrating and sleeping, loss of appetite, having suicidal tendencies, and feeling worthlessness and hopelessness.

Depression can happen at any age, but often it occurs in adults and people suffering from this disorder tend to binge eat and eventually develop other diseases. Popping anti-depressant pills is a bad idea, as it has several side effects that will eventually lead to weight gain.

If you are feeling sad and depressed, then the answer lies in food therapy. Having good food during this period will spark and stimulate certain glands and hormones to ignite cheerfulness in you. We list down the top 14 foods for depression that will help to ease the condition by releasing the feel good hormones in you.

Top 14 Foods For Depression That Will Help Fight It
1. Walnut

Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and they can be consumed to reduce the symptoms of depression, thus improving your mood. The magnesium content in walnuts is responsible for boosting your mood and strengthening your cell growth.

Top 14 Foods For Depression That Will Help Fight It
2. Coconut

Coconut is packed with triglycerides and healthy fats that fuel a better mood and keep your brain healthy. You can include fresh tender coconut shavings or a glass of coconut water in your diet on an everyday basis.
RELATED: 30 Awesome Health Benefits Of Drinking Coconut Water Daily

Top 14 Foods For Depression That Will Help Fight It
3. Eggs

Eggs are loaded with vitamin B, protein, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids that promote a better mood. Start your day with eggs to keep you full, so that you do not have unnecessary food cravings.

Top 14 Foods For Depression That Will Help Fight It
4. Cherry Tomatoes

Did you know that cherry tomatoes can ward off depression? It is because of the lycopene content, which is an antioxidant that fights depression (causing inflammation) and protects the brain. Include cherry tomatoes in your salads to enhance your mood.

Top 14 Foods For Depression That Will Help Fight It
5. Green Leafy Vegetables

Dark green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale contain oodles of vitamins A, C, E, and K, minerals and phytochemicals. Spinach contains iron and folic acid that make you feel better.

Top 14 Foods For Depression That Will Help Fight It
6. Dark Chocolate

Who doesn't like the taste of chocolate? Chocolates are instant mood boosters and the magic lies in the cocoa consisting of dopamine and serotonin that improve blood flow and boost concentration, making you feel more vibrant and energized. So, grab a bite of dark chocolate and munch on it, which will keep depression at bay.

RELATED : Top 10 Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate

Top 14 Foods For Depression That Will Help Fight It
7. Beans

Beans are good for the heart and also are good sources of protein. They contain antioxidants that help fight brain disorders and give you a feel good factor.

Top 14 Foods For Depression That Will Help Fight It
8. Beetroot

Beetroot contains several nutrients like folate, magnesium and other antioxidants. This iron-rich food aids in enhancing your mood, as it consists of neurotransmitters that release feel good hormone in the body.

Top 14 Foods For Depression That Will Help Fight It
9. Whole Grains

Whole grains contain selenium that fights free radicals and boosts immunity. Including a lot of whole grains in your diet will boost up your mood and provide happiness.

Top 14 Foods For Depression That Will Help Fight It
10. Honey

Honey is a natural sweetener that reduces inflammation and keeps the brain healthy. Honey works as a great anti-depressant food that will improve your mood.

Top 14 Foods For Depression That Will Help Fight It
11. Greek Yogurt

This dairy product acts as a great probiotic and is enriched with calcium. Calcium alerts the brain by releasing feel-good neurotransmitters. Choose full-fat Greek yogurt, as the fats present in the curd act as brain boosters.

Top 14 Foods For Depression That Will Help Fight It
12. Sweet Potato

The beloved sweet potato is more than just a sweet vegetable. Sweet potatoes are super rich in vitamin B6, which acts as a mood enhancer. The next time you have mood swings, eat these potatoes to sweeten your mood.

Top 14 Foods For Depression That Will Help Fight It
13. Cashews

Cashews are popular anti-depressant nuts which are super rich in tryptophan that increases the release of neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters work great among people suffering with depression. Eat two handfuls of cashews to cheer yourself up.

Top 14 Foods For Depression That Will Help Fight It
14. Banana

Bananas are rich in vitamin B, they provide energy and help in the development of cells. If you are depressed, sad or irritated, try eating bananas.

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