What you eat can really affect your mental wellbeing. Some foods even have the ability to boost your energy, cognition and memory, while others can help reduce any anxiety that you’re experiencing. Here are a few examples of foods that can be great for both your mind and body.
Energy boosting foods
Complex carbohydrates
Complex carbs often include high levels of fibre, and your system takes longer to digest them – meaning they keep you feeling full and energised for longer. Some examples of complex carbs include whole grains like brown rice or oats, as well as vegetables, legumes and nuts.
Protein
Eating protein is necessary for your growth and healthy body function. Ensure you’re getting enough each day by eating things like lean chicken, fish, tofu, beans, lentils, yogurt, nuts or eggs.
Healthy fats
Eating some foods with fats in them is necessary to stay healthy and can provide you with the nutrients you need to get through your day. Try some foods that are high in healthy fats, like avocados, vegetable oils (i.e., olive or canola oil), nuts, seeds and fish.
Anxiety reducing foods
Anti-inflammatory foods
If you experience worry or anxiety, try incorporating some anti-inflammatory foods into your diet. When you become anxious, your body can become quite inflamed, so eating foods that counter that can help you to feel more at ease. Try turmeric, Brazil nuts, tomatoes, olive oil and green leafy vegetables.
Herbal teas
Drinking a warm cup of herbal tea – without caffeine – can help to naturally ease anxiety. Try a cup of chamomile or lavender tea.
Dark chocolate
Research shows that dark chocolate has a multitude of health benefits, including increasing blood flow to the brain and helping people cope better with the circumstances that cause anxiety.
Probiotics
Anxiety can bring about physical symptoms, such as stomach pain or indigestion. Consuming foods that are probiotics, like yogurt or kimchi, can help you support your gut and immune system. Maintaining a healthy gut is linked to having good mental wellbeing and resilience.
Incorporating some of these foods into your diet is not only good for your body and your overall wellbeing, but can also help you feel more energised and less anxious on a daily basis.
This post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.
