Depression is a low state of mind that results from severe trauma, intense stress, or side-effects of medication. This mood disorder can result in aggressiveness, restless behavior, a feeling of hopelessness, increased social isolation, and even thoughts of self-harm. So, it is crucial to detect a patient’s mental condition in the early stages and manage it through proper medication and therapy and a healthy diet. Let’s look at a few foods that help soothe depression:

Walnuts
Walnuts, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, have a positive influence on mood, and they also boost energy and concentration levels. This helps one maintain an optimistic attitude, no wonder they rank among the best foods that help soothe depression. A publication in the British Journal of Psychiatry pointed out that the mammalian brain consists of approximately 80 percent lipids, compounds that play a pivotal role in brain functioning. There is also a parallel increase in the number of people with depressive symptoms in the last few decades, and a rising trend of adapting to fast foods that are devoid of omega-3 fatty acids may be a leading cause. One can also add Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, and cashews to their diet or opt for trail mix as a healthy snack to fight depression.

Berries
Berries are rightly known as superfruits, thanks to the abundance of cell-repairing antioxidants in these fruits. These compounds help in DNA repair, negate free radicals, and arrest the aging process. Research has established that people who regularly consume strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries seldom suffer from depression. The best thing about these fruits is one can have them raw, blend them into a tasty smoothie, add them to a bowl of oats, or top a pancake with them. Berries are sought-after foods that help soothe depression due to their nutritious properties.

Dark leafy greens
The consumption of dark leafy greens like kale, spinach, Swiss chard, and collards has multiple health benefits, including reduced inflammation and depression. A report published in JAMA Psychiatry in March 2015 points out that severe depression can be a result of brain inflammation. Famous physician Joel Fuhrman mentioned dark leafy greens as the pioneer of the G-BOMBS, consisting of greens, beans, onions, mushrooms, berries, and seeds in his acclaimed book The End of Dieting. So, one can add two to three servings of dark leafy greens in their weekly diet to attain the recommended dose of phytochemicals, vitamins A, C, E, and K, and necessary minerals.

Beans
It is also an excellent idea to include beans in regular meals due to their high protein, fiber, and folate content. Beans help stabilize blood glucose levels, helping regulate mood. The presence of folate (vitamin B) in beans also helps in the production of proteins, DNA, and RNA by the cell machinery.

Including these foods that help soothe depression in one’s regular diet can help people with depressive symptoms experience a positive transformation in their mood and well-being.