Fall foods for Mental Health
Tis the season for pumpkin flavored and scented cookies, lattes, chocolate, candles, soap…...you get the idea.
You might find that fall flavors bring an abundance of positive emotions as we remember past holidays or our family get-togethers.
But the mental health benefits of certain fall foods go beyond the feel good memories. These 5 fall foods pack a punch of nutrients that can improve mental health.
1. Acorn squash
Acorn squash is a small type of winter squash with a light yet slightly sweet flavor.
There are several health benefits of acorn squash and other squashes in general. Acorn squash is one of the most nutrient-dense squash varieties and contains higher amounts of antioxidants.
An acorn squash contains magnesium, which is an important nutrient for helping with depression and anxiety.
A study done in 2011, found evidence that increasing magnesium in the diet may lead to a significant decrease in symptoms of depression and anxiety regardless of age or severity of their depression.
2. Apples
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”. Well, Not really. But they sure are healthy! Yes, it’s apple picking season. We all know the old saying but, what are the health benefits of apples?
Nutrition research has been increasingly focused on the effects of apple consumption and its relationship to providing protective neurological benefits.
Apples tend to have a high phytochemical profile. These are great at preventing DNA damage, regulating hormones, and reducing oxidative damage.
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3. Pumpkin
Pumpkin latte!? While those latte’s do probably help some of you get up in the morning, not exactly what we are talking about. However, pumpkin is extremely beneficial to our mental health especially since it contains minerals that boost brain function.’
Pumpkin contains lutein and zeaxanthin — both of these nutrients are excellent at boosting visual memory, attention, and reasoning ability. .
Plus, pumpkin seeds are known to help boost your mood, something we can all use this time of the year. They contain the amino acid tryptophan, which we often equate with Thanksgiving turkey.
Including tryptophan in your diet helps your brain produce serotonin, a chemical known to boost your mood and give you an overall content feeling.
4. Turmeric
Food as medicine is not a new concept. We’ve been using various ingredients in recipes for centuries to help cure many ailments.
Because of its known healing properties, turmeric is considered a wonder spice for so many health conditions including decreasing the symptoms of depression.
It also has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Recently, studies have found a correlation between inflammation and worsening depression.
5. Cinnamon
Nothing says fall like the smell of cinnamon.
Adding this mood-boosting spice to any food or beverage may help stimulate your brain. It also may have anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties.