What you put into your body can affect how you feel.

Many of us see French fries and chocolate cake as treats to cheer us up when we’re feeling down. But perhaps our perspective on food needs an update. With a few simple dietary changes, you might be able to improve both your mind and your mood.

1.Dark Leafy Greens

Nutrient-Dense Inflammation Fighter

Leafy greens fight against all kinds of inflammation, and according to a study, severe depression has been linked with brain inflammation. Leafy greens are especially important because they contain oodles of vitamins A, C, E, and K, minerals, and phytochemicals.

Foods that fight inflammation

2.Walnuts

Rich in Mood-Boosting Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Walnuts are one of the richest plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids, and are full of antioxidants, helping to inhibit oxidation in the brain and body. Even more amazingly, these nuts can also lead to the growth of new neurons this means walnuts can help us to grow new brain cells, an essential aspect of maintaining good mental health.

3.Avocado

Its Oleic Acid Gives You Brainpower

Avocados are power foods because, again, they contain healthy fat that your brain needs to run smoothly. Three-fourths of the calories of an avocado are from fat, mostly monounsaturated fat, in the form of oleic acid. An average avocado also contains 4 grams of protein and is filled with vitamin K, different kinds of vitamin B( B9, B6 and B5), vitamin C and vitamin E12.

4.Berries

Full of Cell-Repairing Antioxidants

Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries are some of the highest antioxidant foods available to us. They go around fixing your cells and preventing them from getting cancer and other illnesses. Antioxidants assist in repairing cells, as well as assisting in combating inflammation caused by free radical damage.

5.Mushrooms

Helpful Tools to Lower Blood Sugar

Here are two good reasons why mushrooms are good for your mental health. First, their chemical properties oppose insulin, which helps lower blood sugar levels, evening out your mood. They also are like a probiotic in that they promote healthy gut bacteria.

6.Onions

Layered With Cancer-Fighting Allium

Onions have been associated with a decreased risk of several cancers. Eating onions and garlic frequently is associated with a reduced risk of cancers of the digestive tract. These vegetables also contain high concentrations of anti-inflammatory flavonoid antioxidants that contribute to their anticancer properties.

7.Tomatoes

Packed With Depression Fighters

Tomatoes contain lots of folic acids and alpha-lipoic acid, both of which are good for fighting depression. Folic acid can prevent an excess of homocysteine — which restricts the production of important neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine — from forming in the body. Alpha-lipoic helps the body convert glucose into energy and therefore stabilizes mood.

8.Apples

Ripe With Antioxidants and Fiber

An apple a day could — if eaten with the rest of these foods — keep the psychiatrist away, at least for periods. Apples are high in antioxidants, which can help to prevent and repair oxidation damage and inflammation on the cellular level. They are also full of soluble fiber, which balances blood sugar swings.

The next time you go shopping, consider adding one or more of these to your grocery list. In addition to providing general health benefits, you’ll be able to provide an outstanding source of nourishment to your brain as well.