Blueberries contain the antioxidant flavonoid anthocyanin, which is associated with reduced inflammation and the risk of depression. Finally, they also contain vitamin C, which can be beneficial for reducing the negative impacts of stress.
According to the Psychiatric Times, blueberries are the number one superfood used to alleviate the symptoms of depression. The reason is linked to its powerful effect on the brain. Blueberries trigger neurological responses in the brain. Because of this, they've been shown to significantly improve mood and cognition.
The researchers narrowed down the top 10 raw fruits and vegetables they found to be associated with better mental health and fewer symptoms of depression. These include carrots, dark leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, cucumber, apples, bananas, grapefruit, other citrus fruits, fresh berries, and kiwifruit.
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and folate, which helps your body to produce mood-boosting serotonin.
Below are some reasons to increase the number of servings of berries that you eat weekly. Berries Improve the Memory. A study conducted with young and old adult participants who ate blueberries, showed an increase of blood flow to key areas of the brain, improvements in memory and attention to required tasks.
Moreover, the key behind blueberries' ability for mood booster is the anti-oxidant flavonoid. Blueberries are rich with anthocyanin, a type of flavonoid that gives the dark blue pigment of blueberries. Flavonoid-rich food such as blueberries has shown to have a measurable effect on positive mood.
Blueberries
When we're anxious and stressed, our bodies crave vitamin C to help repair and protect our cells, and blueberries are packed full of it. Small but mighty, blueberries are bursting with antioxidants and vitamin C that have been shown to provide anxiety relief.
FUN-FACTOID: It's a natural brain booster! Pterostilbene found in blueberries boosts the brain's release of dopamine – that's our motivation neurotransmitter.
It can also provide a brain boost, lower blood pressure, and contribute to better cardiovascular health. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that blueberry eaters exhibited improved executive function, strengthened short-term memory, and had faster reaction times.
Additionally, eating blueberries for depression may also have mood-boosting effects. Berries appear to have similar impacts as valproic acid, which is a mood-stabilizing medication that helps regulate emotions.
Recent studies show that foods with the highest antidepressant benefits include oysters and mussels, other seafood, lean organ meats, leafy greens, lettuce, peppers, and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts.
Summary: Adding a handful of blueberries to your daily diet can help reduce blood pressure, improve memory and cognitive function, and boost reaction times.
Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries are all hormone balancing foods packed with great nutrients. Berries are rich sources of vitamin C, which regulates your progesterone levels, particularly during the luteal (PMS) phase of your cycle .
However, as a general guideline, it's recommended to consume no more than 1-2 cups of blueberries per day to avoid negative side effects. Consuming more than this amount on a regular basis may contribute to blood sugar imbalances, tooth decay, kidney stone formation, or allergic reactions.
Long considered as a kind of “superfood”, blueberries equal brain health. Their brain-boosting power comes from their high concentration of antioxidants, which help to balance the number of free radicals in the body to counteract oxidative stress and support a healthy, well-functioning immune system.
Can blueberries help give me energy? The combo of soluble and insoluble fiber in berries can help slow down the rate of digestion in your GI tract, causing a steadier release of sugar into your bloodstream and a more stable, longer-lasting energy boost!
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can boost dopamine levels, specifically apples, bananas, oranges, watermelon, strawberries, avocados, beets, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables, velvet beans, lima beans, and peas.
Cherries. Cherries contain antioxidants like quercetin, which can help promote feelings of calmness. Eating more fruits and veggies in general has also been linked to decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression and increased happiness levels.