If you want to keep your body healthy and fit, then pay attention to keeping your mind healthy as well. If you are not mentally healthy, then its effect can also affect your physical health. Health experts say that mental health is very important for our overall health and quality of life. Mental and physical health complement each other, the effect of a problem in any of these can affect the health of the other.
World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on October 10 to educate and make people aware of mental health and to remove the feeling of social stigma. Do you take care of your mental health?
Experts say that a proper diet is very important to maintain better mental health. The right diet promotes brain function and has a positive effect on mental health. Let us know what to eat and what not to eat to keep mental health right?
Risk of mental health problems
Psychiatrists say mental health problems can happen to anyone, be it a child or an elderly person. Mental and physical health are interconnected. Mental health problems like long-term stress, anxiety, or depression can cause inflammation in the body, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health problems. Not only this, mental disorders can also negatively affect sleep, increasing the risk of obesity and chronic health problems.
Let us know what should be the diet for good mental health.
What to eat to maintain good mental health?
Health experts consider some things beneficial for mental health.
Green leafy vegetables
Green vegetables like spinach and broccoli are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which reduce inflammation in the brain and improve mental health. Studies have found that green vegetables protect the brain from oxidative stress. Apart from this, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contain fiber which improves intestinal health. There is a direct relationship between gut and brain health, so eat green vegetables to keep your mental health right.
Nuts and seeds are beneficial.
Nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flax seeds are rich in vitamin E and magnesium. Nuts and seeds have been found to be very beneficial in improving memory and reducing the risk of depression. Most nuts are considered a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial in promoting the structure and functionality of brain cells.
What not to eat to keep mental health right?
Consumption of some things is considered harmful for mental health.
Reduce caffeine intake
Those who consume too much caffeine may have anxiety, restlessness, and sleep problems, which directly affect mental health. Similarly, processed and high-sugar items can also be harmful to you. Cakes, cookies, and soft drinks increase blood sugar rapidly, causing mood instability. It can have many side effects in the long term.
Avoid alcohol and smoking.
Alcohol and smoking affect brain function and can increase depression and anxiety. One should stay away from any alcoholic beverage. Alcohol and smoking are also considered harmful to physical health.
(PC: Freepik)
