imagine eating for mental wellness
the power of food to make you feel great
The impact of eating healthily for our bodies has long been understood but research into the link between diet and mental health is giving insight into the benefits of foods to improve brain function and our mood.
eating is only part of the story
It’s not as easy as eating the right foods to make us feel better.
Psychological wellbeing is complicated, how we get to feel great is a combination of many things including environment and genetics but our approach to great mental health through food is a cyclical approach whereby eating well leads to being well which leads to feeling well – and back again so feeling well leads to eating well.
eat well
be well
Think about ‘gut feelings’, that’s right feeling from the gut. Keeping it happy puts you in a good place to be well throughout the day. Being well refers to our physiological state, exercise, fitness and daily activity, all the things that induce chemical reactions in the body to release endorphins and dopamine, the feeling that you get when you are achieving.
feel well
A positive mindset comes from a good functioning microbiome and daily activity contributing to feelings of well being. Mindfully promote feelings of well being through intention setting and positivity – it’s addictive.
eating is only part of the story
It’s not as easy as eating the right foods to make us feel better.
Psychological wellbeing is complicated. How we get to feel great is a combination of many things including environment and genetics, but our approach to great mental health through food is cyclical whereby eating well leads to being well which leads to feeling well – and back again so feeling well leads to eating well.
eat well
be well
Think about ‘gut feelings’, that’s right feeling from the gut. Keeping it happy puts you in a good place to be well throughout the day. Being well refers to our physiological state, exercise, fitness and daily activity, all the things that induce chemical reactions in the body to release endorphins and dopamine, the feeling that you get when you are achieving.
feel well
A positive mindset comes from a good functioning microbiome and daily activity contributing to feelings of well being. Mindfully promote feelings of well being through intention setting and positivity – it’s addictive.
fibre and your mental health
it's all about your gut microbiome
Gut health can be improved considerably by a higher fibre diet. Very few of us eat a diet that is rich in fibre that feeds the microbes in our guts and help release the functionality of food. Oats, nuts, fruits, vegetables and seeds are all good sources of fibre to nourish and are essential to good mental health.
Holistically we connect a good functioning gut microbiome to our body and our brains.
fibre and your mental health
it's all about your gut microbiome
Gut health can be improved considerably by a higher fibre diet. Very few of us eat a diet that is rich in fibre that feeds the microbes in our guts and help release the functionality of food. Oats, nuts, fruits, vegetables and seeds are all good sources of fibre to nourish and are essential to good mental health.
Holistically we connect a good functioning gut microbiome to our body and our brains.
major food groups
Healthy choice is a broad range of food macro and micro-nutrients
Foods can be divided into the different categories, macro nutrients, carbohydrates, proteins and fats and really our bodies and brains need a mixture of all of them but not every type of them. We metabolise the nutrients of each to reap the benefits of a healthy body and mind.
protein
Most people are aware of the power of protein to build muscle, but aside from muscle mass protein synthesis creates two types of amino acids, essential and non-essential. Essential amino acids include tryptophan that contributes to the proaction of serotonin – a ‘happy’ hormone good for feeling great.
carbohydrates
Carbohydrates get broken down into two types of sugars, simple and complex. The simple ones are broken down quickly in the body – these often give short term energy. Complex carbohydrates provide fibre that nourishes your microbiome and are more effective at fuelling your body for longer.
fats
There are fats that are good for your and your brain. The breakdown of fats into fatty acids can be characterised into unsaturated and saturated. Poly-unsaturated fats a derivative of unsaturated fats include Omega 3 and Omega 6, both of which are required for good brain function.
super food
ingredients
essential micro nutrients - vitamins and minerals
Certain foods also have high values of micro nutrients also essential to brain health and function, these are vitamins – like vitamin D – the sunshine vitamin, and Magnesium great for the immune and nervous system. Certain foods deliver these in abundance.
oats
As well as improving blood sugar control, oats contain both soluble and insoluble fibre, great for nourishing the gut. Oats are mineral rich with zinc, magnesium and selenium and other minerals that help the development of neurotransmitters in the brain improving mood and mental function.
nuts
Nuts are a great source of micro nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Brazil nuts for example are high in selenium, a mineral that reduces inflammation that is beneficial for better moods. Walnuts are a great source of hight levels of brain health supporting Omega 3.
seeds
Flax and chia seeds are great for mental wellbeing as they are rich in Omega 3 and dietary fibre. Pumpkin seeds deliver a punch with their tryptophan increasing properties which helps to create serotonin
fruits
Bananas are a good all-round superfood for both macro and micronutrients. The carbohydrates help the body absorb the amino acid tryptophan and the B-Vitamins help convert it into serotonin. Blueberries have been shown to improve mood with their high anthocyanin content, the thing that also makes them blue.
vegetables
Folate from vegetables contributes to good mental well being and the fibre feeds your gut. Some vegetable also contain good quantities of Omega 3
spices
Spices are brilliant for cognitive function, even just smelling cinnamon improves brain function. Turmeric – that bright sunny yellow makes you feel better by stimulating the release of serotonin.
bananas contain tryptophan, the chemical which induces serotonin
sugar and sweetness
Healthy can’t be sweet right?
Refined sugars contribute to spikes in blood sugar levels that isn’t good for your microbiome. Natural sugars are a great way to get your sweet fix, coconut, maple syrup, date syrup and agave nectar are all good alternatives.
food and mental health in the news
keep up to date with all the latest news from the world of nutrition for mental health, scientific findings, food super heros and eating for your mental health
further reading
here I’ll share things the useful books, podcasts, articles and research that inspired matta mind food and help us grow our community
brain train
here we can write a bit about the book and the author
join the matta life
we’d love you to be part of the matta life. Send us your name and email address and we will keep you informed with a newsletter and you’ll be the first to know about our great product launches.
privacy policy you can opt out or change your preferences at anytime
join the matta life
we’d love you to be part of the matta life. Send us your name and email address and we will keep you informed with a newsletter and you’ll be the first to know about our great product launches.
privacy policy you can opt out or change your preferences at anytime
join the matta life
we’d love you to be part of the matta life. Send us your name and email address and we will keep you informed with a newsletter and you’ll be the first to know about our great product launches.
privacy policy you can opt out or change your preferences at anytime
social sharing
we’d love to grow our community join us on social media for up to date news and to share the MattaMind Life
say hello
we’d love to hear any questions you have, feel free to say hello email us here
