Which Foods are Good for Mental Health?

Which Foods are Good for Mental Health?

A well-balanced diet can greatly impact our mental health in positive ways. There are many great benefits to maintaining a healthy eating lifestyle. It all starts with choices we make in regards to the food we consume. Below I will discuss 4 foods that are great for your mental health and why!

1 – Fruit: All fruits are important to incorporate into your daily food consumption. Fruit has many beneficial antioxidants that help provide your body with optimal health outcomes. Such as, prevention from different diseases, inflammation, and diabetes. Eating fruit can be a great start in the morning to get the nutrients and vitamins your body needs to start the day.

2 – Leafy Greens & Vegetables: Veggies and leafy greens have brain-boosting nutrients that can positively impact your cognitive thinking throughout the day! Some of the most nutrient packed veggies include but are not limited to spinach, kale, collards, broccoli and much more. Eating these veggies can help slow down cognitive decline. Consuming leafy greens and veggies will help your brain stay sharp throughout a busy day!

3 – Dark Chocolate: Out of all the sweets to be consumed, consider eating dark chocolate first! Dark chocolate has great health benefits, if ingested in moderation of course. Dark chocolate is known to boost attention and memory, enhance mood and help fight cognitive decline in older adults.

4 – Whole Grains: Whole grains are classified as corn, rice, oats, barley, quinoa, etc. Whole grains are a great source of energy that can help sustain you throughout a busy day. This is because whole grains contain complex carbohydrates, which leads to glucose being produced more slowly, as a more even and consistent source of energy.

Madison Reynolds

Mental Health Student Intern