FOODS THAT HELP DEPRESSION (5 out of 10)

(1) MILK Milk is a good source of Vitamin D. Sometimes having low levels of this nutrient can cause depression. People who take a vitamin D supplement were less depressed a year later than those who didn't according to a study done in Norway. If you don't like milk, boost vitamin D in your diet with enriched cereals and juices, and canned fish. (2) TURKEY It has the protein building-block trytophan, which your body uses to make serotonin. Researchers say that's a brain chemical that plays a key role in depression. Some antidepressant drugs work by targeting the way your brain uses serotonin. Chicken and soybeans will give the same mood-boosting effect. (3) BRAZIL NUTS Because this snack is rich in selenium, it helps protect your body from tiny, damaging particles called free radicals. Young people, one study found, who didn't have enough of this nutrient in their diets were more likely to be depressed. Although, the researchers could not say that low selenium caused depression. Be careful how many you eat. Just one Brazil nut has almost half the daily requirement of the mineral. Brown rice, lean beef, sunflower seeds, and seafood are other foods with selenium. (4) CARROTS Carrots are full of beta-carotene. Also, full of this nutrient are pumpkin, spinach, sweet potatoes, and cantaloupe. Lower levels of depression have been linked to beta-carotene. Although there is not enough evidence to say that it can prevent this disorder, it can't hurt to get more in your diet. (5) CLAMS AND MUSSELS They have a good source of B-12. People with low levels of the vitamin, some studies say, are more likely to have depression. A shortage of a substance called s-adenosylemethionine(SAM), which your brain needs to process other chemicals that affect your mood, could be the cause. Try lean beef, milk, and eggs if you are looking for other B-12 foods.