Certain foods and drinks benefit not only the health of our bodies but also the well-being of our mental health. There is more interaction between the body and the mind than we think. Interactions are carried out through the nervous system. For example, when you are stressed, your brain sends signals to the intestines. It affects your eating and drinking habits, which affects your energy levels and your mood.
Experiencing situations like stress, anxiety, restlessness, and worry is not very beneficial for mental health. This information that reveals how certain foods and drinks that we get in our daily life can benefit our mental health will surprise you.
1. Soy
Soy is rich in amino acids that are important for your body’s muscles and bones. They help to treat sleep-related disorders and conditions like insomnia. They also help to reduce the risk of more serious diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. It is said that soy is a very good food for women. During menopause, many women often experience mood swings, loss of mental concentration and feeling tired. With menopause, the production of estrogen in the body gradually stops. They contain phytochemicals called isoflavones. These act as a substitute to meet the estrogen needs of women in this stage. These are found in tofu (a food prepared from soy milk), soy milk, miso soup, soy yoghurt and soy flour.
2. Salmon
Salmon is a food rich in Omega-3. These are directly related to brain function. It helps to improve the function of brain cells and reduces the risk of depression, depression, memory problems and dementia in the elderly.
Your body is not able to produce omega-3 fatty acids, so you can only get them from foods that are rich in them. Fatty fish like salmon is a good example. Prevents intake and improves the production of serotonin, known as the feel-good hormone.
3. Raw Garlic
Consuming raw garlic is said to improve memory and have many benefits for the brain (especially important for older people). A few cloves of garlic can be eaten raw or mixed into salads. Allicin is a sulfur-containing compound found in raw garlic, only in garlic. Helps control ageing and disease and increases serotonin levels.
4. Dark Chocolate
These are slightly different from regular sweet chocolates. The difference is that these dark chocolates have a cocoa content of 50-90%. The darker the chocolate is the better. Eating these signals the brain to release endorphins, the feel-good hormones. It is very important to manage stress and make a person feel happy. Cocoa increases blood flow to your brain. Helps improve mental function in older people.
5. Walnut
Nuts such as flax seeds, pumpkin seeds and chia seeds are very beneficial for brain health, but walnuts are considered to be the best among them. They are rich in proteins and healthy fats. They help maintain balanced blood sugar levels and are free of artery blockages. They are also rich in Omega-3, nutrients which have beneficial benefits in improving mood by reducing anxiety and depression. And its improve positivity, energy and alertness.
6. Foods rich in vitamin C
Vitamin C is beneficial for maintaining the health of the body’s immune system. It also has a positive effect on a person’s emotions. If you always feel tired and fatigued, it may be because you are not getting enough Vitamin C.
Citrus fruits including oranges, bell pepper, strawberries, green cabbage etc. fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C. Vitamin C nutrition keeps the brain healthy; reduces the occurrence of mental breakdowns to a large extent; increases alertness, memory and attention; Reduces the risk of depression, anxiety and other serious diseases.
7. Seaweed
Seaweeds are eaten in many Asian countries. Seaweeds have been found to be good for brain health. They are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, as well as magnesium and iodine. These are good for fighting stress and improving mental functions. Foods like sushi are wrapped in seaweed.
What foods and drinks should be avoided?
The majority of serotonin receptors are located in the gut. When we eat food that has undergone excessive processing, it is quite foreign to the digestive process of the stomach. There is also a chance that the food will be rejected in the stomach. It is said that everything we eat affects our brains.
Things you should avoid
Foods that contain ingredients that aggravate depression and anxiety
Foods that contain caffeine can cause restlessness and anxiety
Fast food and foods high in Trans fats, which are inflammatory and affect serotonin levels
Foods containing refined sugars are responsible for mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.