Mental Health
We often think about food in terms of how it can make us feel and look our best. However, it is taken for granted how much of an impact food can have on our mental well-being. The brain is a highly metabolic organ, meaning it requires a lot of nutrients and calories. It is mainly composed of fat, nearly 60%. This makeup means that dietary fat is one of the most crucial components to determining brain integrity and its ability to perform. Another essential component is the gut-brain connection. The vagus nerve physically links the gut and brain, allowing for communication. The gut can influence emotional behaviour, while the brain can affect the terrain of the gut (i.e. microbes present). Inflammation and stress are the last big players when it comes to mental health and diet. Long-term inflammation in the body can lead to an inflammatory response in the brain known as neuroinflammation. Although there can be many other factors to consider when eating for your mental health, we consider these main factors when designing recipes that feel good, both physically and mentally.
Helpful Mental Health Tips
Foods to Eat in Abundance
Fermented foods
e.g. sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, kefir
Omega-3 rich foods
e.g. grass-fed beef, fish, seafood
High-quality fats
e.g. avocado, coconut oil, ghee, seeds, olive oil
Low-Glycemic fruits
e.g. strawberries, apples, blueberries, oranges
Raw and cooked vegetables
Foods to Limit
Refined sugar
e.g. white sugar, corn syrup, fructose
Poor quality fats
e.g. margarine, fried foods, canola oil, sunflower oil
Convenience foods
e.g. shelf-stable, boxed, instant and ultra-processed foods
Gluten
Artificial sweeteners
Cook Time
5m
6h