The Top 10 Anti-Depressant Foods

There have been many studies done on depression to discover different treatments. Research has shown there are several naturally anti-depressant foods. 
The Top 10 Anti-Depressant Foods
Maricela Jiménez López

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Maricela Jiménez López.

Last update: 30 May, 2022

Did you know there are anti-depressant foods that can help fight depression and anxiety?

Depression is a serious and unfortunately common disease that can cause a person to experience deep sadness, hopelessness, low self-esteem, and a loss of interest in life. This disease is mainly a product of genetic factors, however, the causes can also be a person’s social or personal life.

Research shows that these “anti-depressant foods” can help fight depression and anxiety due to their special properties.

Below, we will tell you some anti-depressant foods you can eat if you are feeling somewhat depressed. Of course, these are not replacements for medical attention or medication for depression and if you feel very depressed, you should consult a doctor.

10 Anti-depressant Foods

1. Molasses

This food is made up mainly of sucrose that has not crystallized. It is rich in uridine, one of the units of DNA that is capable of boosting the energy forming process of cells in order to fight depression. However, we recommend eating molasses in a controlled way because it is a sugar.

2. Blue Fish

Anti-depressant foods such as salmon can help cheer you up

Fish like salmon, sardines, tuna, and anchovies are meat products with high contents of omega-3 fatty acidsThese acids are well-known for their properties and benefits for fighting heart disease by reducing the level of triglycerides and preventing blood clots from forming.

Additionally, this type of meat has been found to help fight depression and stress.

You might like: Delicious Salmon in Lemon Sauce

3. Beets

Beets have the same type of sugar as molasses and are rich in a substance called uridine. Uridine increases the levels of cytidine in the brain, which is believed to affect dopamine, a substance in charge of regulating mood.

4. Soy

Soy milk is an anti-depressant food which contains many benefits

Consuming soy has become popular thanks to the various studies that have shown that it is a food rich in substances that are beneficial to your health. This vegetable protein can be used to create many different types of healthy products, such as soy milk and vegetable burgers.

These products tend to be rich in amino acids, which are low in saturated fat and don’t contain cholesterol. Soy contains omega-3 fatty acids that, in addition to bringing benefits to your cardiac health, are also great for fighting depression.

5. Walnuts

Walnuts are one of the anti-depressant foods you can eat

Walnuts are a great source of alpha-linolenic acid, one of the components of omega-3 fatty acids. We recommend snacking on walnuts to help fight depression and protect your heart.

6. Brown Rice

Brown rice contains substantial levels of vitamins B1 and B3. It also contains folic acid and has a low glycemic index. Low in sugar, brown rice helps prevent blood sugar drops and the mood swings that result thereof.

7. Beer Yeast

Anti-depressant foods such as beer yeast can be added to a healthy diet

Beer yeast is rich in vitamins B1, B2, and B3. It also contains 16 amino acids that are very beneficial for strengthening your nervous system.

8. Oatmeal

Oatmeal contains folic acid and vitamins B1 and B6. This helps the digestive system and also prevents your sugar from going low, which causes those strong mood swings and irritability.

9. Cabbage

Anti-depressant foods such as brussel sprouts

 

A study by the American Association for Cancer Research states that this food is rich in vitamin C and folic acid, two properties that help prevent stress, different coronary diseases, and also various types of cancer.

10. Cocoa

This is one of the foods most well-known for its properties for fighting depression. Just like walnuts and molasses, cocoa contains selenium, which helps control moods, strengthens your brain, and fights signs of aging. 

You shouldn’t take this as a free ticket to eat as much chocolate as you want, however. It has been shown that eating pure chocolate is very beneficial for your emotional and physical health, so eat dark chocolate in moderation. Enjoy all of these anti-depressant foods as a part of a balanced diet.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


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This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.