9 Healthful Drinks For Managing Depression
Whether you're simply sad about the changing seasons or you suffer from clinical depression, developing a healthy lifestyle and making smart food and beverage choices will be better in the long run for you, your body, your brain, and your spirit.
Green Tea
In a study published in Public Health Nutrition, a higher consumption of green tea was found to be associated with lower incidence of depression. Sip a cup of the gunpowder variety for an aromatic mood-booster.
Tomato Juice
Offering more potassium than a banana, a glass of tomato juice may help perk you up; some early studies indicate that potassium deficiency may be linked with depression. Be sure to check the label if you're buying premade tomato juice, though, since many store-bought varieties are overloaded with sodium. Tread extra carefully if you are at risk for hypertension.
Beet and Kale Smoothies
"Smoothies that are rich in antioxidants are helpful in combating depression," Dr. Verma tells us. "Think rich, dark colors for fruits and vegetables, and create your own whole juices or smoothies."
Chia Juice
You can make this trendy drink yourself, or buy bottled brands like Mamma Chia or Organic Chia Synergy. Lauren tells us it can boost your energy, and Dr. Verma has touted the seed's benefits previously.
Turmeric Tea
Lauren Slayton recommends turmeric for its mood-boosting benefits, noting that the golden-hued spice has "been shown to be on par with Prozac in some studies."
Hemp Heart Smoothies
Hemp hearts, or shelled hemp seeds, are packed with nutrients, from protein to iron to vitamin E. Plus, "they contain far more omega-3-fatty acids than salmon," Dr. Verma tells us, which can help lift your mood.
Berry Juices
A German study has found that eating berries can fight stress. Throw a handful of fresh or frozen berries in a blender for a shot of relaxation that starts your day off right.
Probiotic Yogurt Lassis
While there's no hard evidence to suggestion that probiotic yogurt is going to make your brain happier, at the very worst, it's excellent for your gut, and there are some very promising preliminary studies that suggest sipping a mango lassi could help boost your mood.
Brazil Nut Smoothies
There is early evidence suggesting that low selenium levels may be linked to signs of depression. Get a boost with Brazil nuts, which are terrifically high in the mineral: throw a handful into any smoothie for an extra pick-me-up.