Foods to Help You Flourish

Imagine snapping out of depression by munching on Brazil nuts, or improving memory by grabbing an apple. Research shows that some foods can have an impact on how we act and feel, thanks to certain nutrients and their naturally occurring chemicals.

• Need to increase your energy? Complex carbs found in vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains give your body a slow-burning source of energy and are nutrient dense (packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals) to keep you feeling lively all day.

• Having trouble remembering? Crack an egg. They’re high in choline, a B–complex vitamin that may increase memory and concentration.

• Feeling sad? Caffeine may be a surprisingly good anti–depressant in small doses — like an 8–ounce cup of coffee or a small piece of dark chocolate. Boost your serotonin levels — the feel good chemicals — with a banana. Or try sunflower seeds for a shot of selenium.