Nuts are good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. You must be knowing that eating nuts can be helpful for weight management, controlling diabetes, prevention of heart disease and improving cholesterol but did you know nuts help in lowering depression risk too? Yes, a recent research shows that eating a handful of nuts everyday can reduce the risk of depression by 17%.
Nuts contain essential nutrients in the form of bioactive substances like phytosterols, fiber, high-quality protein, monounsaturated fatty acids and vitamins which play beneficial role in improving mental health. Nuts are also rich in amino acids which benefit in mood regulation.
Experts previously highlighted that nuts are rich in bioavailable phytochemicals which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant attributes. Nuts can provide antioxidants like Vitamin-E which protects the brain cells from oxidative stress. Further, healthy fats in nuts also play an important role in maintaining the structural integrity of brain cells. Now let’s understand some more benefits of different types of nuts.
Walnuts are rich in Omega 3 which helps in developing brain function so regular consumption of walnuts help in mood improvement and decrease the depression symptoms.
Cashews have high tryptophan content. Tryptophan is an amino acid which serves as a precursor of serotonin which helps to reduce depression symptoms.
Almonds are rich in phenolic acid which helps in reducing depression symptoms.
Pistachios also contain Minerals which help to produce hormones that play an important role in emotional wellbeing.
Brazilian nuts contain ellagic acid which produce an antidepressant-like effect in the brain.
These all are the benefits of eating nuts on depression. Now we all can say, Eating some nuts a day keeps depression away. Including nuts in your diet is a good habit, they not only give you a healthy life but also help you to fight with depression.
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