By Shreya Goswami
October 9, 2023
Image Credit: Pixabay
This World Mental Health Day, take a pledge to add the foods that are great for mental health and avoid those that have a negative impact on the same.
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Rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are precursors to EPA and DHA, fatty fish can improve brain and mood function.
Eating high-sugar foods can lead to rapid spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, which in turn can impact mood.
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Spinach to fenugreek, leafy greens are loaded with B vitamins which increase the production of serotonin and dopamine.
High alcohol consumption can tax the central nervous system and lead to anxiety, sleep disturbance, impaired decision-making.
Whole grains are packed with complex carbs and B vitamins that play an important role in mood regulation and cognitive function.
Drinking too much caffeine can cause symptoms of anxiety like agitation and shaking, restlessness and sleep disturbances.
Thanks to the gut-brain axis, probiotic foods like yoghurt and kimchi are equally great for the gut and mental health.
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Processed foods contain high amounts of sugar, trans fats, saturated fats, sodium, which can increase risk of mood disorders.
Proteins are rich in amino acids and magnesium, both of which can help with brain function and prevention of depression.
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Too much salt consumption is linked to high blood pressure, which adds pressure to the brain and impairs its function too.