Top Foods To Eat In Support Of Your Mental Health!

The way we eat can contribute to & affect our mental health.

Brain fog, irritability, mental & physical exhaustion just to name a few.

Here are FIVE foods to incorporate into your diet to support your mental wellbeing.

1. Nuts: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E, nuts, particularly walnuts and almonds, help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, promoting cognitive function and reducing the risk of depression.

2. Berries: High in antioxidants like flavonoids and vitamin C, berries (such as blueberries and strawberries) protect the brain from oxidative damage, enhance memory, and improve mood by promoting healthy brain aging and neuroplasticity.

3. Leafy Greens: Vegetables like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are packed with folate, vitamin K, and other brain-boosting nutrients that support cognitive function, reduce the risk of dementia, and help stabilize mood by aiding neurotransmitter synthesis.

4. Chocolate: Dark chocolate, in particular, contains flavonoids, caffeine, and theobromine, which improve blood flow to the brain, enhance mood, reduce stress, and increase cognitive performance. The small amount of sugar in dark chocolate also boosts serotonin levels, contributing to feelings of well-being.

5. Eggs contribute to mental health primarily through the following nutrients:

1. Choline: Eggs are one of the richest sources of choline, a nutrient crucial for brain development and the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, memory, and cognitive function.

2. B-vitamins: Eggs contain B-vitamins, particularly B12 and B6, which play a key role in producing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine that regulate mood and reduce the risk of depression.

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Eggs, especially those from hens fed an omega-3-rich diet, provide these essential fats that support brain health, reduce inflammation, and are linked to improved mood and cognitive function.

4. Protein: The high-quality protein in eggs helps stabilize blood sugar levels, providing sustained energy and focus, which can help maintain mental clarity and reduce feelings of irritability.

Incorporating these foods into your diet can support overall mental health and BOOST your cognitive function. 

Neuroplasticity, also known as brain plasticity, refers to the brain's ability to reorganize and adapt by forming new neural connections throughout life. This process allows the brain to adjust its structure and function in response to experiences, learning, environmental changes, and even injury. Neuroplasticity is essential for learning new skills, recovering from brain injuries, and adapting to new situations or challenges. It emphasizes the brain's dynamic nature and its capacity to change and evolve over time.