{"id":1275,"date":"2020-07-19T11:07:19","date_gmt":"2020-07-19T11:07:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gf-veg.com\/?p=1275"},"modified":"2021-12-23T00:42:34","modified_gmt":"2021-12-23T00:42:34","slug":"5-foods-for-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gf-veg.com\/5-foods-for-mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Foods for Mental Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

Foods for Mental Health Support and Wellness<\/h1>\n

Most likely, you\u2019re aware of the benefits a healthy diet for your physical health. But did you know that nutrition plays a role in your mental and emotional well-being as well? This article explores 5 foods that can support your mental health and wellness – and a few foods not to eat.<\/span><\/p>\n

The connection between nutrition and mental health<\/h3>\n

The field of nutritional psychiatry recognizes that the brain needs fuel to function, and it runs best on high quality sources of vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants.<\/strong> A well nourished brain has better cognitive functioning, can respond better to stress, is less susceptible to anxiety and depression, and can sustain better moods.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, you may have heard the buzz about “gut health” lately. There’s a connection between our gut (or intestines) and the brain.<\/strong> Bacteria in the gut produce neurochemicals that the brain uses to regulate mood. Gut inflammation caused by poor nutrition disrupts the balance of gut bacteria and can lead to increased anxiety and depression.<\/p>\n

Simply put: the foods you eat affect the way you think and how you feel.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

(Sources: <\/span>Harvard Health, <\/span><\/a>Healthline<\/a>,\u00a0 Sutter Health<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

\"Pinterest<\/p>\n

What to eat: 5 foods for mental health support<\/h3>\n

1: Green Leafy Vegetables<\/h4>\n

In terms of your brain health, fresh vegetables top the list, and the best options are dark green leafy veggies. Eating leafy greens supports memory and reasoning functions and can slow rates of cognitive decline. Green leafy veggies include the following:<\/p>\n