Better Bites? These Foods May Be Impacting Your Mental Health

Ask anyone who has looked to a big plate of carbs or sweet treat for solace and they’ll tell you food really can affect our mood. But while it might seem like pizza with a side of ice cream will cure your case of the blues, those high fat and sugar-laden foods you crave are the least likely to benefit your mental health. With this in mind, we’re sharing some common foods that may help support your mental wellbeing — and some that you may wish to avoid.

Disclaimer: This advice is not intended to substitute as advice of a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek medical advice that is specific to your situation.

Unsplash

1 / 10

Spinach

Dark, leafy greens have long been considered one of the healthiest foods you can eat, based largely on their nutrient-dense qualities. According to the National Library of Medicine, spinach in particular is shown to have anti-stress and anti-depressive properties, which may decrease cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone.

Unsplash

2 / 10

Walnuts

Walnuts are a great source of mood-boosting alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the plant-based omega-3 essential fatty acid, which helps support brain function and can help reduce depression. In a recent study, researchers at the David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California found that depression scores were 26 per cent lower among those who reported eating walnuts and eight per cent lower among those who ate other nuts compared to people who didn’t report eating nuts.

Slices of whole-grain bread on a wooden cutting board

Unsplash

3 / 10

Whole-Grain Bread

I'm happy to see that we as a society have come back around to loving, and not demonizing, bread — because it can, in fact, be good for you. In particular, the complex carbohydrates found in whole-grain bread have been shown to boost serotonin levels in the brain. According to the Mayo Clinic, this has a calming effect on the brains and can help to lower anxiety.

Unsplash

4 / 10

Dark Chocolate

Unsplash

5 / 10

Blueberries

Snacking on berries is a sure-fire way to get your daily dose of antioxidants. According to the Psychiatric Times, this tiny berry is the number-one superfood used to alleviate the symptoms of depression.

Unsplash

6 / 10

Sugar

Often when we're feeling down, we crave sugary sweets. But while we love the comfort they provide, they don't always love us back. Sugars and refined carbohydrates cause blood sugar levels to spike and then drop, which can lead to deeper feelings of depression. A recent study also found that fructose can increase inflammation in your body, causing fatigue, cravings and even aggression.

Unsplash

7 / 10

Coffee

You depend on your daily morning cup of coffee to wake you up and start your day, but it's a good idea to beware of how it impact you. Although there are many benefits of enjoying a nice latte, too much caffeine may leave you feeling jittery or anxious. Research shows that for those prone to anxiety or panic disorders, caffeine can heighten these symptoms.

Unsplash

8 / 10

Salt

Surprisingly, eating salt can be one of the most natural ways to boost our mood. One study has even suggested it could be "Nature's Antidepressant," which may be why we crave it, but likely why we are quick to over ingest it. It's important to remember that too much sodium can lead to heart disease and high blood pressure, and should be eaten in moderation.

Unsplash

9 / 10

Alcohol

You may have noticed how horrible you feel after a few cocktails with friends, but hangovers aside, alcohol will also impact your emotions. Alcohol is a depressant and directly affects the inner workings of our central nervous system. This controls how we process emotions, including symptoms of depression.

Unsplash

10 / 10

Fast Food

It's cheap, easy and, yes, often-times delicious, but being a frequent drive-thru visitor can be detrimental to your health (surprise!). According to a 2012 study in the journal Public Health Nutrition, people who eat fast food are 51 per cent more likely to develop depression than those who don't. Save the combos as a special treat and step forward in feeling overall happier.