Food affects mood. Natural foods are better than junk foods at regulating mood. Some foods are natural anti-depressants because of what they contain. Your everyday food choices can affect your mood. Here’s eight foods that fight depression and anxiety.

Whole grains.

• Reduces mood swings, depression, and anxiety.
• Contain high levels of tryptophan, an amino acid crucial for creating serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin lifts mood. Melatonin helps with the sleep cycle, something that’s important for your mental health.
• High levels of B Vitamins regulate mood, combat PMS, and slow the rate of age-related cognitive disorders.
• Whole grains maintain steady blood sugar, keeping you away feeling grumpy and anxious.
• Quinoa, wild and brown rice, millet, barley, buckwheat, rye

Dark chocolate.

• Called the Joy Stimulant. Great for improving mood. Dark chocolate contains serotonin, the feel good hormone. A lot of people self-medicate with chocolate. Women use it to feel better during menstrual cycles.
• Chocolate reduces cortisol, the stress hormone.
• Stimulates production of endorphins which bring on pleasure and a peaceful, calm feeling.
• Contains anti-oxidants which help lower blood pressure.
• In moderate amounts, chocolate also boosts your concentration.

Blueberries.

• Reduces stress levels and anxiety with antioxidants.
• Packed with Vitamin C. Vitamin C lowers cortisol.
• Contains high amounts of water. Water is essential for your brain to properly function. Dehydration leads to poor mood and increased anxiety.
• Blueberries reverse age-related memory loss, thanks to abundant antioxidants called flavonoids.

Walnuts.

• Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and protein. Great for your nervous system, which in turn can lead to better mood.
• Fights depression by increasing serotonin.
• Walnuts boost your immune system, making you less prone to fatigue.
• Contain melatonin which help with better sleep patterns.

Spinach.

• Dark leafy greens are packed with vitamins and minerals.
• Reduces your cortisol levels to normal.
• High potassium content helps lower high blood pressure. Recommended by doctors for maintaining good blood pressure.
  

Fish.

• Boosts cognitive function while reducing anxiety.
• Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which help with depression.
• Wild salmon (not farm salmon) contain the highest levels of Omega-3 among all ocean fish.
• Eating salmon can reduce anxiety, depression, stress, and PMS.
• Contains tryptophan, an amino acid that lowers stress hormones and reduces blood pressure.

Pumpkin Seeds.

• Tryptophan helps make serotonin which regulates mood.
• High source of magnesium which helps lower anxiety by relaxing nerves and muscles.
• Contains zinc which boosts the immune system and is important for a restful sleep.

Quinoa.

• Packed with protein, magnesium, B vitamins, zinc, iron, phosphorus. 
• Serotonin booster, preventing depression, fatigue and anemia.
• Quinoa is gluten-free, making it a versatile food.

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