Eat to beat 6 common problems

Eat to beat 6 common problems

Research confirms that by including certain foods in your diet you can help fight many health problems. Good Food's nutritionist, Fiona Hunter, offers practical advice...

Foods to fight...depression

Avocado Low levels of B vitamin folate (also called folic acid) and B6 have been linked with depression - in a study carried out at Harvard Medical School in Boston, one in four depressed patients was deficient in vitamin B6. Foods to eat include:

Foods rich in vitamin B6 include avocados, while foods rich in folate include breakfast cereals, oranges and dark green, leafy vegetables.

Other studies suggest people who eat a diet rich in omega-3 fats are less likely to suffer from depression.

EAT LESS processed foods, as ready meals and refined cereals tend to be lacking in essential nutrients. Alcohol can be a depressant, so is best avoided.

VERDICT

Eat a healthy, balanced diet

Choose a wholegrain cereal for breakfast

Poor appetite is a common symptom of depression; if your appetite isn't what it could be, it's worth taking a vitamin and mineral supplement

For more information, visit the Mental Health Foundation website at or The Food and Mood project.