We are all told to eat more fruits and vegetables for our physical health. However, did you know that the nutrients in fruits and veggies are essential for balancing your mood?
A study from Warwick University in the UK tracked the eating habits of over 80,000 adults in Britain. The research found that the more fruits and vegetable participants ate, the happier they reported feeling.
If you’re looking for a way to boost your mood naturally, it is essential to start integrating more fruits and veggies into your diet. Here are some examples to consider adding to your shopping list.
Bananas
Did you know that all that potassium in bananas helps significantly improve brain function? As well as better cognition, the tryptophan in bananas eventually gets converted into serotonin, the feel-good hormone.
Broccoli
Besides being responsible for cell growth in the production of healthy red blood cells, folic acid is essential for proper mood regulation. Folic acid is responsible for boosting serotonin levels. Broccoli is a vibrant source of folic acid.
Spinach
Speaking of folic acid, spinach, as with most leafy vegetables boasts an impressive amount of stuff. Spinach also contains a high amount of magnesium. Magnesium is known to help relax muscles and improve feelings of anxiety. Deficiency in magnesium will mean you become more tired and irritable and may also find it difficult to concentrate.
Olives
Olives contain good fats that are essential for slowing anger and anxiety levels. Don’t like olives? Try to start using more olive oil into your diet. To receive the most significant benefits, try using olive oil in salads.
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are full of helpful complex carbohydrates. Not only are these types of vegetables better for glucose levels than regular spuds, but they can also increase serotonin.
When you begin eating more fruits and veggies, it boosts your mood but also increases your antioxidant intake. As you know, antioxidants are what fight free radicals in the body that causes us to get sick, so eating more produce is a significant win/win.
Being deficient in specific nutrients can significantly impact your mood. Changing your diet to incorporate more fruits and veggies can help support mental health. If you think you may be suffering from mood instability, it is best to seek guidance from a therapist who can help support you to manage challenging symptoms.
If you and your loved one are interested in exploring how low mood is affecting your relationship, please contact me today. I would be happy to speak with you both about how I may be able to help.
