Depression is a cruel disease. It begins as a quiet emotion and, when left unattended, is life-changing and sometimes even life-threatening. Judging by the many stories shared on the internet describing real-life cases of depression, one thing seems to stand out - a certain lack of hope. This hopelessness is further compounded by the fact that it is accompanied by a sense of helplessness and manifests itself in the antisocial behavior that characterizes depressed people.

In addition to foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, below are some examples of foods that can also have a beneficial effect on mood:

Turkey meat

This food contains tryptophan, an amino acid necessary to produce serotonin, the brain chemical that affects our moods, the substance of happiness! It is a deficit in the production of serotonin that is thought to cause depression, so increasing its production could possibly help. A study published in the Journal of Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior shows that tryptophan can be used as an antidepressant in cases of mild to moderate depression and the study shows its ability to decrease aggression. Tryptophan is also found in meat, beans and eggs.

Vegetables and nuts

This food group contains B vitamins: folic acid, B2, B6 and B12. In a study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, it was suggested that low levels of vitamin B, folic acid and high levels of homocysteine, may likely cause depression. It has also been suggested that higher doses of folic acid and vitamin B12 may improve treatment outcomes for depression.

Organic potatoes, corn and rice

This food group is an example of complex carbohydrates which, once broken down, are transformed into glucose. Glucose fuels the brain, improves cognitive performance and enhances the ability to adapt to tasks involving memory and attention. Avoid eating too much sugar, however, as it causes blood sugar spikes and worsens the symptoms of depression.

St. John's wort

Scientific evidence suggests a effectiveness of the plant in the treatment of mild forms of depression. Despite evidence suggesting that depression can be treated with a proper diet, it is still not enough. At this time, most doctors agree that proper medical care cannot be replaced by a diet for depression or nutritional supplements. From a medical point of view, only psychotherapy and medication are effective ways to treat depression.