7 foods to cure the blues

Instant mood busters, these foods will help lower depression and leave you feeling happy.

Have you had those days when you just want to shut the world out, crank up the volume of your gloomy songs and drown yourself in misery? Before you croon to Atif’s Aadat, we’ve got a fix for you so you don’t have to feel your life is spiraling down a dark abyss like Khirad’s from Humsafar.

When we’re down in the dumps and brooding in terribly low spirits, all attempts to recover usually go in vain. However, quick research on Eating Well and Health Status proved otherwise. They claim that food, in fact, can leap your spirits back up and help reduce stress, ease anxiety and fight depression. Did someone say food?

Here are 7 foods to ward off the blues:

 

1. Dark Chocolate



PHOTO: Inner Me

Do we really need more reasons to eat this blessing? Not only does dark chocolate satisfy your sweet tooth but it also contains chemicals which make you happy. It stimulates the production of endorphins known to relieve stress and pain and contains chemical serotonin which maintains mood levels and lessens depression. Furthermore, it’s the richest dietary source of natural compound phenylethylamine, the same chemical your brain creates when you feel like you're falling in love. No wonder chocolate is considered the number one comfort food.

 

2. Asparagus



PHOTO: Jun Belen Blog

Don’t despair, greens are here! Known to be the top plant-based source of amino acid, tryptophan and vitamin, folate these vegetables cure a low mood by increasing serotonin levels. In fact, according to Green Blender, “up to 50 percent of people with depression suffer from low folate levels”. Next time you might want to eat your greens to keep your mood up.

 

3. Walnuts



PHOTO: Dr Weil Blog

Considered the healthiest of nuts, walnuts in their raw form contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants which ward off depression, help one focus, stay alert and retain memory. They also maintain blood sugar levels and fill you up so you don’t reach for junk during your depressive state.

 

4. Fish



PHOTO: Fish Rosscarberry

Just like walnuts, fish is another source of essential fatty acid, omega-3’s, which our body does not produce. This nutrient alters the brain cells linked to our mood and boosts serotonin and dopamine levels in the body leaving us happy and healthy.

 

5. Coconut



PHOTO: Higher Perspective

This one in particular helps soothe the brain and relaxes the heart rate. Research suggests that coconut oil “blunts your natural fight-or-flight response by slowing the heart rate”. It also contains plenty of nutrients which push away depressing feelings making you feel better. Try smelling coconut oil or light a coconut fragrant candle to calm your nerves.

 

6. Greek Yogurt



PHOTO: Salad-In-A-Jar

Higher in calcium than milk and regular yogurt, this yummy protein helps shake off feelings from irritability to depression. It alerts your brain to release dopamine and norepinephrine, two mood boosting neurotransmitters in your body, guaranteed to leave you smiling all day long.

 

7. Honey



PHOTO: Silver Bulletin

What’s better than a spoonful of sweet goodness to help elevate the mood? The sugar in honey gives you an instant mood boost, reduces anxiety, and can even stop depression.  For a more calming effect, add some raw honey to a soothing mug of tea. Have a spoonful every day for maximum benefits.