By Olesia Dovzhenko
Does nutrition affect our mental status? It definitely does!
Did you know that depression and anxiety are the most commonly reported mental health conditions worldwide, especially after the pandemic hit? Not only are they leading as diagnosed disorders, but also they appear in a form of light symptoms, noticed in a pretty large number of the population.
Lately, there has been a steady increase of studies indicating that there is a strong link between nutrition and mental health. It has been proven that the food we consume plays an important role in the development and prevention of diagnosed mental health problems. How Nutrition Affects Our Mental Health
Just think of it… Your brain is responsible for your breathing, thoughts structure, memory, speech, movement and function of the many organs in your body, and so it needs a constant supply of “quality” fuel.
How Nutrition Affects Our Mental Health
Why? Simply because what you eat directly affects your brain, which in turn directly reflects on your mood. We must learn how to manage our diet more efficiently in order to develop physical & emotional wellness.
What to do?
Superfoods like nuts are very beneficial for our bodies, as they contain powerful antioxidant properties, vitamins and Omega-3 fatty acids that are linked to better brain functioning. How Nutrition Affects Our Mental Health
A newly published study, done by Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center, suggests that consuming nuts on a regular basis strengthens brainwave frequencies that are related to cognition, memory, healing and other key brain functions.
Researchers found that nuts benefit the brain by enhancing cognition, memory, and the ability to rest. Not only do these delicious treats contain healthy fats, but they are also rich in fiber, plant-based proteins, phytochemicals, vitamins & minerals.
For those who have moody personalities around us, it has been proven that nuts provide tryptophan (essential amino acid) responsible for producing serotonin – a mood-boosting hormone and neurotransmitter (body’s chemical messenger).
Convinced yet to add some nuts to your dietary habits? Discover the below tip to extract more nutrients from nuts!
Tip: How Nutrition Affects Our Mental Health
Soak some raw nuts in warm slightly salted water before consumption (approx. 1-3 hours based on its hardness level).
Water increases the bioavailability of B-vitamins, salt helps activate enzymes. By consuming nuts this way, your digestion is enhanced (salt work), and adsorption of nutrients is increased (water work).
And remember: you are exactly what you eat. So manage your diet more mindfully!
*This article is for informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your doctor for more information
