Mental health affects an individual’s emotional potential, the level of coping with normal stresses of life, ability to enjoy life, and subjective well-being. A person with mental wellness enjoys life to the fullest, deals with perplexing challenges, and lead a cheerful life. The human brain develops at an early age. Therefore, it is one of the most important parent’s duty to evaluate their kid and teach them the social and behavioral skills.
A diet that includes fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grain, and nuts improves mental health and high-fat dairy, sugary foods leads to diseases like diabetes, obesity.
A person with mental illness experience stress, depression, mood disorders, and anxiety. Mental illness not only affects the person themselves but also the people around them. Therefore, it is essential for a person to take care of his mental health by increasing the intake of nutrients that improve mental health and strengthens the neural impulses within the brain.
Broccoli:
All vegetables are proved to be essential for improving mental health. Broccoli is a great source of vitamin K and vitamin C. It also contains glucosinolates that are good for the brain and strengthens an individual’s intellectual capacity. It contains high levels of folic acid that prevent insomnia, depression, and fatigue. They inhibit acetylcholine and slows down the brain deterioration. But acetylcholine in adequate amount is important for our brain because deficiency of this hormone leads to Alzheimer’s disease. It also consists of choline that makes the memory sharp. Broccoli can also be eaten with falafel, which makes it a high fiber diet rather than having the complex recipe of restaurant falafel.
Nuts:
Nutritionists and many doctors recommend a daily intake of nuts with honey in breakfast for improving mental health. It contains omega-3 fatty acids that increase mental performance. According to an article published by the American Journal of Epidemiology, eating three to five nuts per day helps the brain by preventing cognitive degeneration. Nuts consists of vitamin E. Few walnuts a day can improve mental health. It contains high levels of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Walnuts contain vitamin E that prevents Alzheimer’s disease.
Avocados:
Avocados consist of good monosaturated fats that keep the blood sugar at a normal level and additionally provides a glow to the skin. It contains vitamin K and folate that prevents blood clotting in the brain and in turn improves cognitive functioning, memory, intelligence and protects the brain against stroke. Avocados are also rich in vitamin B and vitamin C, that are not stored in the body but it requires daily intake. It has the highest protein than any fruit.
Dark Chocolate:
Dark chocolate is great for brain and heart. An article published by Science Direct emphasized that the bitter and darker the chocolate, the healthier it is. Chocolate is high in flavonoids that increase blood flow to the heart and brain and helps the blood vessels. Chocolate contains high amounts of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It increases the oxygen supply to the brain. It delivers dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins that are supplied to the brain for regulating mood.
Turmeric:
A study carried out by The University of California revealed that turmeric protects from Alzheimer’s disease. Curcumin is a chemical compound found in turmeric that is the most powerful anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant. It protects the brain from inflammation, increases the mental agility, and stimulates the neural impulses. In 2008, an Indian study proved that curcumin inhibits the formation of beta-amyloid plaques that disturbs the brain function and leads to Alzheimer’s.