Spring is just around the corner, but that doesn't mean we're out of the woods yet. In many regions, winter can be exceedingly cold, dark, or just plain gloomy. According to Mental Health America, half a million people each year suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) between September an April.
Surmounting evidence suggests establishing a healthy, balanced diet can cure and prevent a number of afflictions without use of chemicals or supplements. According to an article by Health News, certain foods could be used to treat seasonal depression, too.
"Foods to put a smile on your face" outlines six foods that have key nutrients that can help combat stressful winter blues. If you like to eat (sometimes three or four times per day, even?), these suggestions will surely make you, and your bank account, smile a little brighter this season.
Popcorn—No wonder the smell of popcorn enhances the enjoyment of sticky floors and large screen; experts say that air-popped popcorn is a type of whole grain that is good for boosting the mood. With the ban on carbohydrates in many diets in the past decade, there have been many grumpy meat-eaters walking the streets. Author of Why Women Need Chocolate: How to Get the Body You Want by Eating the Foods You Crave, nutritionist Debra Waterhouse says, “Carb-rich foods, like whole grains, stimulate the release of the brain chemical serotonin, which regulates appetite and improves mood, food cravings, and sleep.” Inventors of fad diets may not have been aware of the brain-stimulation carbs give off or else they might have included a little bit more in their breakthrough diet regimens.
Bananas—By eating them whole or adding them to your cereal, smoothie, or fruit salad, bananas should be a staple of a healthy diet. Bananas are chock full of B6, the vitamin that helps the brain make serotonin. Also full of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, bananas are the most abundant and most popular tropical fruit consumed today.
Water—To some people this addition to the list may seem odd, to others it may seem obvious, but water is one of the most important nutrients your body needs. Doctors say drinking six to eight glasses of water a day should keep you healthy while other studies say you can get away with drinking less and still be able to keep your body running smoothly. Dehydration is a huge problem because even the smallest cases have been known to cause fatigue, short-term memory problems, headaches, moodiness, and poor concentration. Stay hydrated to stay happy but keep in mind that experts say plain water is best over popular flavored, hybrid, or sparkling waters.
Salmon—Regardless of the mercury-laden trends going on in the fish world, especially hitting the salmon market, this pink and silver freshwater fish is still very relevant as a health food. Salmon are full of omega-3s, fatty acids that many believe can prevent cancer among other serious diseases. Studies have shown that people who eat a lot of fatty fish like salmon have a lower occurrence of memory loss and depression. A recommended serving from the American Heart Association is two portions of wild salmon per week for optimum results.
Spinach*—Mothers often say to eat your greens and spinach is one never to be ignored. Not always a favorite among kids and certainly not one of my own favorites, this leafy dark green has a great source of folate. Folate is a type of vitamin B, like the B6 in bananas, that helps produce serotonin that calms the brain and sends happiness signals coursing through your body. Now I think we know the reason Popeye always wore that big grin.
*Note: "Spinach," you ask, "really?" My friends make fun of me for eating like a rabbit, but if you want some great tips for integrating this pick-me-up into your menu, try these suggestions:
- Chop up a dozen or so washed and stemmed leaves and whip them in with your eggs before scrambling.
- Add them to your homemade pizza toppings. Cooking for friends? Keep a lid on it. These sprigs recently helped me out in a friendly pizza throw-down.
The best part about these foods is that they are attainable. You can pick them up at your local grocery store or farmers market and not have to spend a pretty penny. If you're on a budget and want to eat well, give some of these a try.
To view the original article, click here or visit HealthNews.com.
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