The Mood-Enhancing Nutrient To Add To Your Diet, From A Nutritional Psychiatrist

Depression can present itself in many forms. One day you may feel anxious; another day you may be completely unmotivated, lacking energy or focus. While the symptoms vary from day to day and among people, the nutrients that can support those moods stay consistent. 

"Low levels of folate have been linked with depression1 and anxiety," Naidoo says. This is because folate helps make the neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine2, which are responsible for mood stabilization and pleasure, respectively. 

It's also because folate is involved in the methylation cycle, a biochemical process that's used by every cell in the body for many important functions, like helping to create neurotransmitters, regulate DNA, and produce energy.

The process occurs on its own, and while the first half might go smoothly, the last portion can go awry without the proper nutrients (i.e., B-12 and folate). 

Folate can be found in dark leafy greens, like kale, spinach, and collard greens, according to Naidoo. It's also found in most other green vegetables, like broccoli, asparagus, and okra.

Along with vegetables, folate is found in lentils, chickpeas, beef liver, and certain fruits, like oranges and mangoes, to name a few.