According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression is a feeling of sadness or being "down" that lasts for a period of weeks or longer. An estimated 15 million Americans suffer from depression in a given year. Depression is usually treated with a combination of therapy and medication, as well as lifestyle changes. Certain foods and ingredients have been linked to lessening depression including antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize harmful free radicals thatcause aging, disease and reduced mental functioning.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant found in oranges, kiwi, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and cabbage. Vitamin C combats the damaging effects of free radicals, which accumulate in the body over time. A lack of vitamin C has been linked with depression. According to Hugh D. Riordan, M.D., one of the most common effects of vitamin C deficiency is depression. Depressed patients can quickly find an antidote in the form of vitamin C tablets. The body tends to absorb vitamins better in natural form, however, so eating foods that are rich in vitamin C is your best bet.
Beta-Carotene
Beta carotene is a reddish-orange antioxidant that is found in carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, pumpkin, peaches, broccoli, apricots, kale, mangoes and collard greens. In the body, beta carotene is converted into vitamin A, which is essential for eye health. As with vitamin C, beta carotene helps fight free radicals in the body, rendering them harmless. Beta carotene has also been linked to prevention of cancer, colds, flus and infections. Francine Grodstein, ScD, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and associate epidemiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, studied the effects of beta carotene on memory and cognitive functioning, concluding that beta carotene can boost memory and reduce chances of dementia. Beta carotene's cognitive benefits can also help lessen symptoms of depression.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant found in foods such as spinach, peanuts, wheat germ, vegetable oil, sunflower seeds, whole grains, turnip greens and almonds. According to a study performed by researchers at the Clinical Research Center for Mental Health in Antwerp, Belgium, people with major depression have low levels of vitamin E. If you are suffering from depression, it is therefore important to consume enough vitamin E. Vitamin E also offers anti-aging benefits, protects skin from ultraviolet light and pollution, reduces free radicals in the body and boosts the immune system.
