Delicious Foods CURE Depression
People are more depressed now than ever before.
I think there are a lot of factors that play into this epidemic…
Lack of sunlight, too much fake light, too much sugar, processed foods, and other modern–day lifestyle factors are some of the biggest offenders.
Even worse? The mainstream’s antidepressant drugs DON’T WORK for the folks who take them (it’s true!),
Fortunately, there is something that can make a HUGE difference in your mood: food.
And science shows that some of the world’s most delicious foods can boost your mood… and even CURE your depression.
If you’re one of the millions that are grumpy until you get your morning cuppa Joe, it’s not just because of the caffeine. Coffee stimulates the release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter that produces feelings of euphoria.
Studies have shown that drinking 1.5 cups of coffee is most protective against depression.
And of course, no list of mood–boosters would be complete without chocolate.
Chocolate tops the list of comfort foods for good reason… it’s loaded with a substance called phenethylamine, which triggers the release of endorphins.
Interestingly, it also contains a substance called anandamide, which binds to the same receptors in the brain as THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana. So it’s no wonder it can produce such a “high”!
The rest of the items on this list are known for their general health benefits, but are less well-known for their impact on mood.
For example, fish (and salmon in particular) is one of my favorite brain-boosting foods because it’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA. And studies find that people who regularly eat fish are less likely to be depressed than those who don’t.
Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and yogurt have positive effects on your gut because they’re loaded with probiotics that help keep your microbiome healthy and balanced.
But that’s actually critical for your mood, too.
You see, your gut influences the function of the mood-boosting neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. In fact, almost 95% of your body’s serotonin is actually produced in your gut (not your brain)!
Add with foods like blueberries (which have been shown to boost mood), green tea (which can help you relax), and broccoli (which increases serotonin and norepinephrine), you’ll be fueling your body with the types of foods that can specifically benefit your mood (hopefully while avoiding those that sabotage it).