Depression is one of the most common health problems, given the type of lifestyles that people have nowadays. Various factors may contribute towards turning people into an emotional and a mental wreck. Many also stay oblivious to the obvious fact that you can eat your way to a better mental state. There are foods that have certain properties that stimulate and trigger particular hormones and glands to cause happiness. Natural foods are more effective than junk foods in boosting your mood. Specific foods act as antidepressants because of what they comprise. Avoid eating processed food and junk food because you are what you eat! Fight your blues and cheer up with our list of five foods that will help you fight depression. Dark Chocolate Some good news for all the chocoholics out there: dark chocolate, which is also known as the ‘joy stimulant’, is one of the greatest mood-enhancing foods. Dark chocolate releases the two most important neurotransmitters – dopamine and serotonin – that are related to the ‘feel-good’ hormone. Dark chocolate diminishes the stress hormone, as it comprises antioxidants that help reduce blood pressure. Salmon Every nutritionist/ dietician recommends Salmon, as it is a rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 lessens inflammation, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Healthy fats that exist in salmon, boost brain activity, keep the brain healthy, and beat depression and fight panic attacks. Spinach Spinach is a multipurpose super-food. This leafy green veggie is jam-packed with vitamins and minerals that boost up mood. Magnesium, selenium, iron and folic acid present in spinach help in brightening up the way you feel. Folic acid recovers the growth of red blood cells, builds your immunity system, and also guards you from illnesses that literally suck up your happiness. High levels of potassium lower blood pressure. Spinach wards off depression since it contains 690 mg of tryptophan. Turkey You can get the similar mood-enhancing effect from turkey, the same way you gain from taking antidepressants. Turkey is filled with higher levels of tryptophan, which is a chemical that enhances serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that produces feelings of happiness. Mozzarella Cheese Yes, cheese lovers! Cheese is one of the most important foods that help in stabilizing a bad mood. Mozzarella cheese contains more tryptophan than a whole turkey. Foods that are abundant in tryptophan affect mood positively. Mozzarella cheese also contains zinc calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium, which help in improving quality of hair, skin, cell production, fighting off depression, and reducing mood swings. Published in Daily Times, April 2nd 2018.