The brain is an organ just like any other in the body; it can be positively or negatively affected by what you eat. Certain foods can give your family the brain burst they want, but others will depress their moods, causing them to foster emotions of hopelessness and irritability. For this reason, and for a happy family, it is therefore important that you understand how foods affect your family’s minds as well as their bodies.
Firstly, for a lift of their emotional spirits, and to help them shed the heavy baggage of emotional woe, give your family foods that are high in fibre and low in saturated fat. Foods that are rich in vitamin B12 and folic acid are also beneficial mood boosters. According to various studies, these vitamin-rich foods, such as beans, greens, meats, fish and dairy, have been proven to help to prevent disorders of the central nervous system, mood swings and dementias.
You can also give your mood an indirect lift by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. Giving your family their five-a-day ensures that they get the nutrients they need for their bodies to function properly, and this, in turn, helps them to feel healthier generally. If you eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, you are less likely to be in a depressed state because you feel better about yourself, and this has a huge impact on your overall outlook on life.
Finally, if you want to control your family’s mood, give them fish. Research has demonstrated that if you eat fish rich in omega-3 fatty acid, you are less likely to display symptoms of depression. For great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, opt for salmon, sardines, tuna, and herring. Remember, food is only one tool in an arsenal of things that can help you to improve your family’s emotional wellness, but these tips can put you and your family on the right path to living a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life.