The food you eat impacts not only your physical health but also your mental wellbeing. It has the power to affect your mood and cause or relieve many mental health disorders. However, the relationship between food and mental health is not so simple.
It is true that a hungry body leads to a hungry mind and, therefore, as soon as you relive your hunger, your mood is elevated. However, the interaction between food and mental health is more complex than it seems.
Food affects gut bacteria, which in turn influence the chemicals produced by your brain and cause a deep impact on your psychological state. Hence, altering your diet can help you deal with many mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression.
Quick Trivia: Because of this relationship between gut health and mental wellbeing, your gut is also known as the second brain.
The fundamental diet for anxiety is obviously the one that is full of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. However, there are many more tips and foods that reduce anxiety symptoms and help boost your mental health. Let’s have a look at some of them.
FOODS THAT REDUCE ANXIETY
- Eggs
Vitamin D is known to improve anxiety symptoms, and egg yolk is one of the best sources of vitamin D. In addition, eggs are also rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that not only nourish your body but also boost your overall mental health.
- Green Tea
Loaded with antioxidants, green tea is one of the lesser-known foods that reduce anxiety and improve brain function. Green tea is also rich in L-theanine, an amino acid known to increase serotonin and dopamine levels and create more neurotransmitters to reduce anxiety.
- Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is your best friend if you have anxiety. It contains flavonols and other antioxidants that can significantly improve your mood and relieve stress and anxiety. It is also one of the best sources of magnesium which is known to reduce symptoms of anxiety. Continue reading: FOODS THAT REDUCE ANXIETY