Cashews. Cashews are rich in tryptophan, a neurochemical that our bodies turn into serotonin. They are also rich in magnesium and vitamin B6, both essential for the overall health and for controlling mood swings. Stick with unsalted nuts and avoid large packages. Remember that just a handful per day should be enough.
Almonds. Researchers³ have shown that magnesium may be an effective treatment for anxiety-related symptoms, as inadequate magnesium reduces the level of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Just 1 ounce of almonds (that's about 12 nuts) contains 75mg of magnesium, which is 19% of your daily recommended value.
Several nuts, including walnuts, cashews, almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds, are good sources of serotonin. Walnuts are known to lessen the symptoms of depression, as they are the richest plant-based omega-3 fatty acids.
Walnuts, almonds, and pistachios are perfect for reducing stress and anxiety. Walnuts contain high omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for a healthy nervous system and can help reduce stress and anxiety. Almonds are rich in magnesium, which helps to relax muscles and reduce stress.
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.
Walnuts. Walnuts are the top nut for brain health. They have a significantly high concentration of DHA, a type of Omega-3 fatty acid. Among other things, DHA has been shown to protect brain health in newborns, improve cognitive performance in adults, and prevent or ameliorate age-related cognitive decline.
Nuts like almonds, pistachios and macadamias each bring something special to the table. Almonds help improve memory, pistachio nut oils help preserve fatty acids and prevent inflammation, and macadamias contribute to normal brain function. Yet, the top nut award certainly goes to the walnut.
In order to produce dopamine, your body needs to break down an amino acid known as tyrosine, which is present in abundance in nuts such as almonds and walnuts, and seeds such as flax seeds. Snacking on a handful of them during the day can up your dopamine levels and help you a great deal.
Regular exercise is known to increase serotonin levels. Thirty minutes of aerobic exercise five times a week plus two strength-training sessions per week can improve mood disorders and heart health.
The nuts with the most tryptophan are cashews, pistachios, and almonds. Include these in your Thanksgiving stuffing and you'll have as much — or more — tryptophan than if you'd eaten turkey.
In addition to improving your well-being, one needs to consume the right amount of Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Fatty Acids. Satvic dry fruits, like walnuts, pistachios, almonds, muskmelon seeds, and nutmeg, are rich in such nutrients and help boost the mental well-being of a person.
Cashews are rich in tryptophan, a neurochemical that our bodies turn into serotonin. They are also rich in magnesium and vitamin B6, both essential for the overall health and for controlling mood swings. Stick with unsalted nuts and avoid large packages. Remember that just a handful per day should be enough.
Almonds, pistachios and walnuts are high in antioxidant vitamin E and mineral zinc — two nutrients that can benefit immunity health. Bonus: Those nuts are good sources of B-vitamins, which help the body manage stress, too.
Walnuts for the win
When consumed in moderation, most nuts are great sources of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats as well as protein. But walnuts have the edge when it comes to curing the symptoms of depression because they are one of the finest plant-based sources of Omega-3 fatty acids as well.
Almond, which is a common nut, has been shown to effectively improve hyperglycemia and depression symptoms.
Nuts. Walnuts have a high concentration of DHA (a fatty acid), which is key to several critical brain functions. Most other nuts are good sources of antioxidants, but walnuts are particularly potent even compared to pistachios and peanuts.
Substantial evidence from animal and human studies suggests that dietary consumption of walnuts (1–2 oz per day) can improve cognitive function and also reduce the risk of other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, depression, and type 2 diabetes, which are risk factors for the development of dementia.