Shawdesh Desk:

Fuelling your brain with the right kind of nutrients and a high-quality diet can improve concentration, moods and energy levels which ultimately helps in boosting your productivity at whatever you do. Eating fatty foods and sugary treats can increase inflammation and oxidative stress and could put you at risk of depression and anxiety, Hindustan Times reported.

Nutritionist Lovneet Batra in her recent Instagram post talks about nutrients that are amazing for mental health.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a calming mineral that nourishes the nervous system and helps prevent anxiety, fear, nervousness, restlessness and irritability.

Source: Amaranth leaves, sunflower seeds, walnuts, banana, apricots

Omeag-3 Fatty Acids

There are three types of fatty acids: ALA, EPA and DHA. Of the three, EPA appears to be the best at helping with anxiety

Source: Chia seeds, flaxseeds, ghee

Vitamin-B

B vitamins are a group of eight different nutrients particularly B6, B9 (folic acid) and B12, are essential for the proper function of the nervous system and can help manage anxiety

Source: Peanuts, legumes, leafy greens

ZINC

Low levels of zinc, possibly associated with concurrent oxidative stress, may cause lower GABA and glutamate, having an anxiogenic effect, and that foods rich in zinc raises GABA levels that may help improve anxiety symptoms.

Source: Amaranth, garden-cress seeds, all lentils

Vitamin D

Many people are deficient in or have suboptimal levels of vitamin D, a fat-soluble nutrient that’s essential for brain function and mood regulation. Studies show that vitamin D inadequacy or deficiency is particularly common in people with mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders

Source: Egg yolk, mushrooms, vitamin D fortified foods and supplements