Autumn’s Melancholy? These Superfoods Will Help!

Summer is already in the past, days are now shorter, the umbrella shall be back in our lives as well as our winter coats and our scarves…

Autumn brings back cooler and darker days. Many of us during those first days feel tired and a lack of energy: It is Autumn’s melancholy. Our body is less exposed to sunlight and it gets harder to produce hormones associated to vitality and a feel-good sensation.

And that is where the superfoods come into play. They can give you the energy boost that you need during these first days of season change. Fill up your cabinets with those superfoods and you can say goodbye to Autumn’s melancholy.

Turmeric: this ancient root is a natural antidepressant. It is one of the world’s most powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Recent scientific research has shown very interesting results: Curcumin (contained in turmeric, also known as Indian’s Saffron) gave similar results as Prozac in treatments against depression without the side effects.

Spirulina and Chlorella – those Green superfoods are important for our brain balance as they contain the amino acid tryptophan which is the building block of the hormone associated to wellbeing (serotonin).

It helps to improve blood flow and increase the level of nutrients in our body. This will give full productivity to our organism (especially the brain) and will make us feel better and with more energy.

Cacao – when we are sad, melancholic, or even depressed our body needs more serotonin. That is why very often when we feel down our body asks for chocolate. Cacao is a superfood that contains an agent that increases the production of feel good substances (dopamine and serotonin). When we consume cacao, we feel almost instantly a wellbeing and satisfaction sensation. Moreover, this superfood contains alkaloids that act the same way as caffeine does. An injection of energy is never too much during those moments where tiredness and apathy won’t let us get up from the couch.

Acai – athletes can’t leave without it anymore: the reason? This fruit originating from Brazil is full of antioxidants and gives an important injection of energy. It is widely used pre- and post-workout. It is also a good ally during those moments when we fell more down: an acai bowl makes anyone’s day!

Omega Mix – more and more doctors are prescribing omega 3 and 6 for sad or depressed patients. Those are essential fatty acids for serotonin’s synthesis. They help to raise self-esteem and concentration. 

Chia seeds – are a source of fibre that help intestinal transit, control hunger’s anxiety and increase satiety’s sensation. It is a protein and omega 3’s source. It also works as an anti-inflammatory in the body which makes this superfood a perfect ally for these “autumn melancholy” days.

Maca – Maca helps to balance our body hormones. As an adaptogen it helps the organisms to adapt to stressful situations and anxiety. It is also linked to the improvement of brain’s function and memory on top of being a natural excitant. This is why we are dealing with a superfood highly recommended for those that with autumn’s arrival, feel less active. Its properties will provide you with a natural injection of energy and vitality.

Even in our phrenetical society, being stressed or melancholic is not a fatality. Take care of yourself… take care of your sleep, your alimentation, your heart… and your mental.