Top Foods to Beat the Blues

Unfortunately, most of us will experience some bout of depression in our lifetime, but the good news is that the foods we pick have a huge impact on our moods and how quickly we bounce back.  I’ve compiled some of my favorite anti-depressant foods for you right here in this post.

Let’s begin with cottage cheese, which is a good source of the amino acid tryptophan.  Tryptophan is important because it is converted by the body into serotonin which is then used in the production of melatonin, which helps you fall asleep. I love snacking on cottage cheese and crackers when I’ve got the urge to munch.

Another food that can help you keep depression at bay is tofu, believe it or not.  Research in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that lack of tryptophan can lead to depression and tofu boasts some high levels which makes it ideal to keep your levels up.

Now I love this one: chocolate.  Yes, chocolate is high in phenylethylamine (PEA), which enhances endorphin levels and increase sensations of pleasure and happiness, and most of us are already aware of how chocolate seems to perk up most people.

One study found that the sugar and fat in chocolate can raise both serotonin and opiate-like endorphin levels.  Portobello Mushrooms may also help keep your mood up–they are rich in vitamin B3 which a deficiency of can cause depression.  When your levels are low the body will use up all the tryptophan to manufacture B3, which leaves little for the body to convert to serotonin.

And this one may come as a surprise: parsley is a great source of the amino acid L-Glutamine, which has a positive effect on concentration and helps to combat anxiety and stress.

Finally, butternut squash.  This yellow veg is amazingly high in zinc which research has shown can activate the production of a substance needed to keep nerve cells alive and ward off depression. Bon appétit.