Natural foods and herbs that help to beat depression

Eat a balanced diet high in nutrients:

Organic fruits and vegetables are high in minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals, micronutrients, enzymes and fiber. Try to add the bright and dark leafy vegetables like carrots, red and green bell peppers, kale, broccoli, spinach, and celery. You can also have couple of portions of baked potatoes each week. Ideally all your vegetables should be organic to avoid pesticides, herbicides, chemicals, and carcinogens.

You can also add strawberries, papayas, mangoes, apples, oranges, nectarines, peaches, tangerines, blueberries, raspberries, and bananas to your diet. Again, consider organic produce as it is much healthier than the chemically treated fruits.

Foods high in antioxidants:

Try to consume foods high in vitamin C, E and beta carotenes to help protect your cells. Each antioxidant has its own unique effect and works as a guardian angel to protect your organs.

A diet high in Omega 3 fatty acids found in wild salmon, avocado, nuts, olives (oil), sesame seeds and flaxseed:

Wild sockeye salmon (lowest mercury contaminated fish) is a great source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, in particular docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that helps with proper brain formation, increasing eyesight and stronger nerves and reducing depression. Wild salmon is also a great source of vitamin B12 and lean protein. DHA found in wild salmon is essential for breastfeeding mothers and growing kids. Keep in mind that vegan sources of DHA are found in nuts, avocados, sesame seeds, olives and flaxseed.

Avoid farmed salmon (it has 10 times more pollution compared to wild salmon) and high mercury fish (like tuna and swordfish) and reduce your meat and poultry intake.

Vitamin D deficiency is linked to depression:

Several studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to brain damage and depression. According to a recent study published in Journal of Steroid Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, most people with depression and mental disorders have lower levels of vitamin D. The researchers say “Effective detection and treatment of inadequate vitamin D levels in persons with depression and other mental disorders may be an easy and cost-effective therapy which could improve patients’ long-term health outcomes as well as their quality of life.”

Raw organic cacao beans

Phenylethylamine is a natural substance that exists in dark chocolate. Our brain releases phenylethylamine when we feel loved. Phenylethylamine reduces moodiness, depression and help with better concentration. Anandamide is another chemical released in our brain when we feel happy. Cacaco beans contain N-acylethanolamines that can temporary increase the level of anandamide in the brain and make people feel good for a long time.

Herbs and spices:

Turmeric: According to a study published in 2011 in the journal Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutical, turmeric can be as effective as anti-depressant drugs for improving depression and reducing negative thoughts, without having the side effects of anti-depressant drugs.

Another study published in journal of Phytotherapy Research also shows that turmeric is even more effective than Prozac for treating depression.

Maca: Maca is also another great superfood that can reduce depression and anxiety. The natural substance in maca known as phytoestrogen can increase energy level and balance hormones.

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http://www.seattleorganicrestaurants.com/vegan-whole-food/natural-foods-herbs-for-treating-depression-anxiety.php

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