From plentiful days to tired nights, we are all surrounded by the hooks and nooks of our responsibilities. But, amidst the daily run, we often forget focusing on our physical and mental well-being. While balanced diet is a crucial part of our overall physical health, it can significantly affect our mental well-being too.

Yes, a nutritious and healthy diet alongside a dose of mindfulness can make up for a good care regime for our mental health. Some components in our daily food are clinically proven to positively affect our hormones and overall brain functioning, giving you a whiff of psychological potpourri. Wondering how?

Here is a list of seven most nutritious foods that have a positive impact on your mental health.

1. Nuts

Nuts are the greatest supplier of omega-3 fatty acids, which supports the body’s ability to fight depression. The Omega-3 fatty acids and serotonin found in walnuts, which resemble a brain, make them an excellent addition to any diet. Omega-3 fatty acids works on the symptoms of depression, and serotonin boosts your mood, calms your body, reduces tension, and foster happiness. And as quoted by our granny, eating almonds is the best memory booster. Almonds raise the levels of ACh (acetylcholine), a neurotransmitter in the brain that becomes a helping hand in improving memory and battle illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease. Phenylalanine, another substance found in almonds, enhances cognitive system.

2.Jaggery

Jaggery is a strong source of magnesium, which helps to relax muscles and is excellent for brain nerves. It strengthens the nervous system and reduces fatigue. It also helps in stimulating our body’s endorphins, or “feel-good hormones.” A good nervous system, in return, helps the body to work effectively and stay healthy and normal.

   3.Avocados

Avocados are a major source of vitamin K and folate, which help to prevent stroke-related brain damage. They also provide a boost to your concentration level and memory. Additionally, avocados have a significant amount of lutein, which helps the brain to function better.

4.Yogurt

Yogurt is the best thing to add to your regular meals. Yogurt and other foods with active cultures include probiotics. People usually think of probiotics as being good for the digestive system, but research has shown that they also help in reducing stress and anxiety. You can get potassium and magnesium from yoghurt as well. The brain functions better when it receives more oxygen, courtesy minerals.

5.Ragi

Ragi is a superfood for the brain. Vitamins C, B-Complex and E, iron, and calcium, as well as ragi’s high protein, make it a wonderful food for the brain, hair, and skin. With its ability to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia, ragi is also useful in treating migraines. As an excellent source of both antioxidants and amino acids, ragi helps to soothe the mind and keep the brain functioning smooth.

6.Tomatoes

The best supplementary food to serve your guests is tomatoes in salads. Lycopene, the pigment that gives tomatoes their red color, is a type of phytonutrient that has numerous health benefits. The fight against brain disease is just one of the many health benefits it offers. It has also been proved beneficial in postponing the beginning and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Lycopene also helps in building concentration, memory, and attention. It also reduces stress and repairs damaged brain cells, which in turn reduces the symptoms of depression.

Make sure to include such nourishing foods in your grocery list the next time you go shopping. Additionally, one should include 2-3 food items in daily diet to improve both physical and mental health.