Depression affects many people worldwide and, thankfully for all of you suffering from this mental illness, there are ways to decrease your risk by just changing your diet. Foods that are beneficial to depression symptoms are wild blueberries, salmon, walnuts, and leafy greens. Although the benefits may not be immediate, it is important to remember while adding these foods to your diet that you are not only decreasing your risk of depression but you are also making long-lasting healthy choices:
1. Wild blueberries
Wild blueberries are great if you are on a clinical depression diet as they contain higher levels of Vitamin C and polyphenols than most fruits. These active compounds help promote brain function during stressful times of your life when you tend to get depressed. Blueberries can be added to just about any food for a delicious desserts including yogurt, pie, muffins, granola, and pancakes for those you with a sweet tooth.
2. Salmon
Salmon contains omega-3s which is very important to help with your everyday brain functioning. It also contains vitamin-D, a vital vitamin which the average everyday person is typically deficient in. By adding salmon to your diet, you will be getting a greater amount of vitamin-D which in return reduces your risk of depression. To add salmon into your diet, try smoked salmon, baked salmon dishes, or even a salad with salmon cut up and placed on the top of your favorite vegetables.
3. Leafy greens
Leafy greens are excellent for mood-stabilizing foods as they provide your body with high amounts of nutrients that your body needs for proper brain functioning. The leafy greens that are great for depression include kale, collards, spinach, cabbage, and watercress. Leafy greens can easily be eaten with a salad, boiled for dinner, or placed on a sandwich during your lunch break at work. Other vegetables that contribute to depression benefits are bell peppers and broccoli, which are also great additions to your favorite salad.
4. Walnuts
If you are a fan of walnuts and mood-stabilizing foods, you are in luck as walnuts provide omega-3, vitamin E, and antioxidants, all of which contribute to reducing the risk of depression while contributing the extra nutrients bodies need for energy throughout the day. To make eating walnuts a treat, try making your own walnut pie or try a trail mix full of goodies and healthy clinical depression diet foods.
