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10 raw foods that strengthen your mental health
Have you read about the exciting breakthroughs happening in mental health?
Scientific studies keep showing that certain nutrients have the power to improve serious mental health problems like psychosis, bipolar disorder and PTSD.
In fact, I recently wrote about Julia Rucklidge, a clinical psychology professor and researcher from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand who gave a Tedx talk about the topic.
Julia cited study after study showing that taking mega-doses of certain nutrients could help people with serious mental disorders and illnesses… in many cases better than the prescription drugs used to treat them.
But you may be wondering… what about the normal doses of nutrients you get in your diet? Can those help mental illness too?
Well, more and more research points to yes. In fact, a recent study shows that diet changes could be a powerful addition to your mental health treatment or prevention plan…
Raw foods support your mental health
A new study from researchers at the University of Otago found that eating fruits and veggies could improve mental health in young adults… especially when they’re uncooked.
The study included over 400 young adults (ages 18-25) from New Zealand and the United States. Researchers chose young adults for the study, because young adults have a high risk for mental health disorders and they eat less fruits and veggies than other age groups.
These young adults completed a survey about their fruit and veggie eating habits. And guess what the survey revealed?
Raw fruits and veggies were much better for mental health than cooked, canned or processed fruits and veggies. Fruits and veggies in their raw form improved depressive symptoms, anxiety, negative mood, positive mood, life satisfaction and flourishing more than other types.
Why are raw foods better for mental health?
Well, because raw foods have higher nutrient content. When you cook and process foods, you lose nutrients. And based on past research, the more nutrients you deliver to your brain, the better.
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10 best mental health helpers
Besides the fact that it’s better to eat your fruits and veggies raw, University of Otago researchers also found that 10 fruits and veggies packed a greater punch against mental problems than others. The top 10 fruits and veggies according to their research were:
- Carrots
- Bananas
- Apples
- Dark leafy greens (like spinach, kale, etc.)
- Grapefruit
- Lettuce
- Citrus fruits
- Fresh berries
- Cucumber
- Kiwifruit
These fruits and veggies contain vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and zinc, which have proven brain-protecting powers. So, even if you’re not dealing with mental illness, eat these foods more and cook them less. It will keep your brain healthy and your mood happy.
Sources:
- Raw fruit and vegetables provide better mental health outcomes — MedicalXpress. Retrieved April 16, 2018.
- L. Brookie, et al. “Intake of Raw Fruits and Vegetables Is Associated With Better Mental Health Than Intake of Processed Fruits and Vegetables.” — Frontiers in Psychology, 2018.
By Jenny Smiechowski
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