Banish The January Blues With Food
January is known to be the toughest month of the year. The days have a tendency to be cold, dark and a little miserable. And without Christmas to look forward to, it can feel like a long stretch until the weather will begin to improve and summer is on its way. So below are some foods you should be incorporating into your diet, roasted in your favourite evening meal or simply picked up as a snack, ensuring that you are eating foods that are high in antioxidants will help to protect and preserve your brain, boosting your mood in the process.
| OILY FISH
E.G. SALMON, SARDINES & MACKEREL |
Oily fish helps to keep your brain healthy and improves mood by keep brain cells flexible.
Could also help to boost depression and low mood. |
| OATS | Slowly release energy, keeping your blood sugar and mood stable.
Also contain selenium, a mood-boosting mineral. |
| BANANAS | Help to boost serotonin levels, a mood-lifting hormone. |
| LENTILS | Will help to increase serotonin levels, helping to achieve a happier state of mind.
They also stabilize blood sugar levels, helping to maintain an even mood. High in folate, which helps to decrease your likelihood of depression. |
| CHICKEN & TURKEY | Contains tryptophan, an amino acid the body uses to make serotonin and melatonin, helping to boost mood and regulate sleep.
Also contains tyrosine, an amino acid that helps to reduce symptoms of depression. |
| SPINACH | Rich in B vitamins, helping to boost serotonin levels, and decreasing the risk of depression. |
| DARK CHOCOLATE | Causes the brain to produce endorphins and serotonin, reducing stress and anxiety levels. Be sure to have this in moderation – a couple of squares of 70% dark chocolate are enough to have a beneficial impact. |
| BELL PEPPERS | Rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that has been shown to improve cognition and mood whilst reducing stress. |
| ALMONDS | Contain vitamin E, an antioxidant that has been shown to help combat free radical damage in the brain, improving memory and cognition. |
| EGGS | Rich in choline, a nutrient that supports the nervous system, improving mood and increasing the production of neurotransmitters. |
