Anti-Depression Foods!

Cinzia Cuneo 3 novembre, 2012

As the days continue to become shorter until Christmas, we see that a lack of light can have a depressing effect on many of us.

But there is good news: Food influences our moods and we can therefore fight depression. Let’s take advantage of the following 5 well-being foods:

1. Omega-3 fatty acids, essential for the smooth functioning of the nervous system. They are found in fatty fish.
2. Complex carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta, rice, barley or breakfast cereals, which allow our body to secrete serotonin, the “molecule of happiness.”
3. Proteins contained in certain foods (shellfish, egg whites, cheese) that stimulate the production of dopamine, another neurotransmitter connected with pleasure.
4. Vitamins, especially those in Group B that intervene on the level of the nervous system. They are found in green vegetables including lettuce, beans, peas, spinach, etc.
5. Magnesium, which has a relaxing effect on the body. Good sources are legumes, seeds, nuts, dark green vegetables and chocolate.

Here are some delicious recipes with anti-depression foods:

Salmon is a good source of omega-3 and proteins.

See the recipe >>

This article was originally published in the Journal de Montréal on November 3, 2012. 

Autori

Cinzia Cuneo

Italiana di nascita e canadese d'adozione, Cinzia ha deciso di coniugare le sue competenze professionali e la sua passione per la buona tavola sviluppando un servizio per aiutare i numerosi «aventi bisogno» a riprendere il controllo della loro alimentazione. Così è nata SOSCuisine. Ingegnere di formazione al Politecnico di Torino, Cinzia ha conseguito un Master's Degree in scienze applicate all'École Polytechnique de Montréal.