I wrote – Omnia Qalawun:
Healthy eating plays an important role in treating seasonal depression in winter, as certain foods help relieve its annoying symptoms very effectively.
In the following report, “Consulto” reviews the best foods effective in the treatment of winter depression, according to “Every day health” and “Healthline”.
Read also: Don’t ignore it – 7 symptoms that tell you you have the winter blues
Foods to cure winter blues
1- Leafy vegetables
Leafy greens, such as spinach, collard greens and kale, help relieve the stress and anxiety associated with the winter blues, thanks to their high vitamin B complex content, which in turn helps boost brain function.
2- Proteins
Vegetarians usually suffer from winter blues more than others, because the lack of protein in their bodies has negative effects on mental health, as it leads to severe mood swings.
Therefore, vegetarians should take care to eat foods rich in plant proteins, such as legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains.
You might be interested: Natural Antidepressants – 4 Foods That Boost Your Mood
3- Whole wheat pasta
A healthy and safe alternative to regular pasta, because it contains a high percentage of dietary fiber, which helps preserve the body’s energy, controlling blood sugar, which helps improve the psychological state.
4- Beans
Some research has shown that a balanced gut microbiome is beneficial for mental health, because it stimulates the brain to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps us feel happy.
Beans are one of the foods that contribute to the promotion of good bacteria in the gut, thanks to their good fiber content, and the same goes for all types of legumes.
5-Dark chocolate
A natural antidepressant, because dark chocolate stimulates the brain to produce the hormone serotonin, because it contains polyphenols, but it is important to choose the types in which the concentration of cocoa is higher than 70%.
You may also be interested in: 5 eating habits that protect you from seasonal depression
6- Salmon
The National Institutes of Health has confirmed that fatty fish, such as salmon, are beneficial foods for patients with depression, as they contain nutrients that promote brain health, such as vitamin D and omega-3 acids.
7- Bananas
Bananas contain tryptophan, which helps calm nerves, improve mood, reduce anxiety and fight depression.
Read also: Simple tips to avoid the winter blues