TEN FOODS TO HELP YOU BEAT DEPRESSION

Many of us feel particularly low during the winter months and some of us suffer severely from depression at various times in our lives. However, doctors and nutritionists agree that by eating healthily we can stave off depression and feel happier and more alive. We thought we'd give you a list of ten fantastic foods to give you a boost!

1. Oily fish - the omega-3 oils found in fish such as salmon, mackerel and tuna have been proven to boost moods, relieve anxiety and combat depression.
2. Brazil nuts - the selenium in brazil nuts is an excellent way to help alleviate depression.
3. Bananas
4. Brown rice
5. Porridge oats
6. Vitamin B - foods containing the B-vitamins are well known to control mood swings and battle those blues - good examples are liver, eggs and Marmite!
7. Chocolate - a small piece of dark chocolate high in cocoa can be a very pleasant way of helping yourself stay happy - but just remember not to overdo it! Also, it's worth trying some raw chocolate from your local health food store.
8. Fruit - a couple of pieces of fruit a day should help keep the doctor away
9. Green leafy vegetables - particularly good for your iron intake and should be eaten every day!
10. Herbal & fruit teas - not technically a food of course, but if you replace caffeine based drinks like coffee and cola with healthy herbal teas this will help beat the blues.

Remember that if you are trying to beat depression with good nutrition to stop eating junk foods and cut down on your alcohol consumption. It's also wise to exercise for thirty minutes at least three or four times a week.