Thanksgiving Foods that Fight Depression


Thanksgiving is finally here! As you plan the menu, keep in mind these foods that can combat holiday blues that many of us inevitably experience. Go ahead and eat your favorite foods, they might just be as beneficial to your brain as they are to your belly!

Turkey

This beloved holiday tradition can actually lift your spirits if you tend to get the holiday blues. This is because it contains tryptophan, which your body uses to make serotonin. The depletion of this feel-good chemical is directly linked to depression. So by encouraging the production of it inside your brain, turkey can help to both combat and lower your risk of depression. So, don’t forget this brain-benefiting meal centerpiece this year!
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Leafy Greens

Spinach, kale, turnip greens and the like are great additions to your diet for numerous reasons. But, did you know that regularly eating these vegetables can be very beneficial to your brain functioning? Leafy greens are full of the nutrient foliate, which has been linked to better brain functioning and lower depression. You can incorporate a spinach or kale salad or some cooked turnip greens as a side in your Thanksgiving feast this year.

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Carrots

This colorful produce is chock full of beta-carotene, a nutrient that scientists have linked to lower levels of depression. Although it has not been significantly proven to prevent depression all together, it is still an easy nutrient to incorporate into your diet as a preventative measure. Stew some up or throw them on a salad to incorporate them in your meal this year.

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Sweet Potatoes

From casseroles to pies, this delicious vegetable is a staple in many American homes during Thanksgiving. This complex carb is great for fighting depression, because it helps the body to release serotonin, the feel-good chemical in your brain mentioned earlier. Including this dish in your Thanksgiving spread can help to lift the moods of all of your guests!

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Whole Grains

Like sweet potatoes, whole grains are complex carbs that your body digests slowly overtime. This helps your brain to release serotonin, which greatly reduces your chance of developing depression. A side of wheat dinner rolls is an easy way to incorporate whole grains into your feast.

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Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/depression/ss/slideshow-foods-fight-depression?ecd=wnl_men_111415&ctr=wnl-men-111415_nsl-ld-stry_title&mb=u@WtFSQ@uIcMLDwYjOyDgyhonS/H3cwyOEpyZQxLpms=#
http://www.everydayhealth.com/depression-pictures/8-foods-that-fight-depression.aspx#01
 

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