How Diet Affects Your Mind

By Ajanta Sen

Monday, February 1, 2016, 18:21 [IST]

Many people believe that what you eat eventually affects your mind and mood. It is also said that the food you eat or the drink you swig, can lead to depression or bad vibes.

However, have you ever thought how diet affects your mind? Do you know how your daily diet can affect your mood, cravings and also your memory?

There are some foods that can instantly make you feel better, whereas there are certain foods that can make you feel depressed. Researchers say that there are many ways diet affects your mind.

The changes made in your diet can cause changes in the structure of your brain, both physiologically and chemically, which can result in a change of mood.

Whatever you eat affects you in the short term as well as in the long term. It starts from the womb and goes on till you become old, your diet not only shapes your body, but it also shapes your brain.

A poor diet can cause many health issues such as diabetes, obesity, cancers and heart diseases. Diet also has an effect on your brain and can raise the risk for neurodegenerative ailments and mental disorders.

So, have a look at some of the smart choices that you have to make in order to follow an ideal diet pattern and also have a healthy mind, without depression or stress.

Take A Balanced Breakfast

Taking breakfast daily gives you a better mood, an improved memory power, a relaxed mind and an energetic body all throughout the day.

Thus, never skip your breakfast, as it can lead to anxiety and fatigue. Eat a balanced breakfast that includes good fats, fibre, carbohydrates, proteins and essential nutrients.

Vitamin D Is Necessary

Studies say that lack of vitamin D can lead to depression. However, when you get more vitamin D from your diet, it automatically improves your depression.

This is one of the important points that will help in answering the question,"how diet affects your mind?"

Too Much Caffeine Is Harmful

Caffeine can aggravate depression in those who are sensitive to it. Thus, if you are sensitive to caffeine, avoid caffeine intake for a month to get an improved mood.

Select Smart Carbs

A low-carb diet can lead to tiredness and obesity. Thus, instead of discarding carbs totally; go for the smart carbs such as fruits, whole grains, legumes and vegetables that are abound with fibre and nutrients. This is one among the various ways diet can affect your mind.

Take More Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Walnuts, flaxseeds and fish contain omega-3 fatty acids that help fight depression.

Researchers say that consuming about 2-3 servings of fish every week not only improves your melancholy, but also has numerous other health benefits associated as well.

A Mediterranean Diet Can Be Beneficial

A Mediterranean diet includes lots of cereals, fruits, fish, nuts, legumes and vegetables that are a rich source of nutrients, which help to avert depression.

Mediterranean diet contains folate. Studies say that lack of folate intake can also lead to higher rates of depression, thus it is better for you to stick to a Mediterranean diet.

Protein Is A Must

Protein-rich foods contain amino acids that help your brain to control your feelings and thoughts. Eggs, nuts, lean meat, cheese, seeds, soybean, etc, are all loaded with proteins.

Protein also helps to keep your blood sugar levels in check. This is also one of the most important points that support the question, "how diet affects your mind?"