Fight Depression naturally - 15 foods to help you

Millions of people suffer from depression all over the world. In India, and specially in Urban areas, every one in five people suffer from depression. Unfortunately, there is no specific diet that can be given as a medicine to cure depression, but still there are many food items eating which can help.

These foods are good for your health, and help to keep depression away.

Beat depression with these foods :

1. Green tea contains antioxidants and amino acids. It has the natural properties to fight depression. It is a very healthy drink and you can drink 3-4 cups in a day.

2. Almonds apart from being tasty and very healthy food, also has magnesium which helps in making of serotonin, which is a feel good chemical for the brain. It helps us to stay happy, and fight depression.

3. Salmon fish is a very good source of Omega-3 fatty acids. It is very good for health and helpful in the fight against depression. It also helps to reduce inflammation.

4. Dark chocolate helps in the production of serotonin which is an antidepressant. It slows down the making of stress hormones and therefore it reduces anxiety. It also reduces the effects of chronic fatigue syndrome through its flavonoid content. 

5. Eggs are full of proteins and nutrients like zinc which is a micro-nutrient helpful in the production of neurotransmitters in the body, and aides in their proper functioning. Zinc is one of the best anti-depressants. Additionally, eggs contain Vitamin D as well, which is an important ingredient to fight depression.

6. Banana is a very nutritious fruit and it has loads of tryptophan, which raises the level of serotonin in the body. It is also helpful in making of tyrosine, which helps in making of two neurotransmitters - norepinephrine and dopamine, both of which help in keeping us in a good mood.

7. Avocados have a very good amount of omega-3 fatty acids. It is also full of tryptophan, which is an amino acid helping us in lessening of stress.

8. Berries like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries are loaded to the brim with antioxidants. They are also brimming with booster nutrients like B complex, zinc, selenium and potassium.

9. Asparagus helps us in increasing the folic acid levels in our body which are linked to depression. It has Vitamin B, which helps us in boosting the mood. Further to this, asparagus contains tryptophan, which helps us in creation of serotonin in the brain, and keeps out depression.

10. Walnuts are brimming with Omega-3 fatty acids, that promote a healthy brain function, and also reduces the symptoms of depression.

11. Tomatoes are a great food, they contain nutrients which fight depression, like folic acid and alpha-lipoic acid. Folic acid prevents the creation of excess homocysteine which hampers nuerotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. Alpha-lipoic acid helps our body in converting glucose to energy and hence stabilizes our mood.

12. Onions and all allium veggies (like garlic, chives, leeks and spring onions) contain high amounts of flavonoid anti-oxidants which help the body's digestive system as well as the brain. Onions can prevent gut cancer, and are also beneficial for one's mood.

13. Mushrooms have chemical properties like insulin, which helps in lowering blood sugar levels in the body, and also, it acts like a probiotic that increases gut bacteria. They produce 80-90% of body's serotonin, which is an important nuero transmitter that keeps depression at bay.

14. Apples contain high antioxidant levels which control inflammation and repair damage. It is fully loaded with soluble fibre that balances blood sugar levels in the body and helps in maintenance of sound mental health.

15. Turmeric is one of the most commonly used spices in the Indian kitchen. It boosts our mind and also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It also contains turmerones and curcuminoids which provide nutrition to the body and help us in fighting illness.