Foods to boost morale

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Extract from the article: A healthy, balanced diet is essential for maintaining health and well-being. As well as providing the body with the nutrients it needs, certain foods stimulate and boost morale. Here are some recommended foods for boosting morale.

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A healthy, balanced diet is essential for maintaining health and well-being. As well as providing the body with the nutrients it needs, certain foods stimulate and boost morale. Here are some recommended foods for boosting morale.

When you're feeling down, it can be tempting to turn to food to lift your spirits. However, the sugary, high-calorie treats to which many people resort have negative consequences of their own. Some foods improve overall brain health and certain types of mood disorders.

Vegetable soup

Soup, made from fresh vegetables, is an excellent choice for boosting the immune system and morale. By cooking the vegetables in water, they release vitamins and minerals, which are essential micronutrients for the immune system. By eating the soup, the body benefits from all these micronutrients. Choose fresh vegetables such as cabbage, gboma and adémè, and limit or avoid adding processed ingredients such as industrial broths.

Foods rich in omega-3

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that play a crucial role in the functioning of the immune system and our morale. Sources of omega 3 include vegetable oils such as walnut oil, and oily fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines. Eat oily fish at least once a week to reap the benefits of omega-3s.

Foods rich in vitamin D

Vitamin D plays an important role in regulating the immune system. It is associated with mood regulation and helps prevent low mood. Sources of vitamin D include cod liver and certain dairy products.

Fruit and vegetables

Opting for different-coloured fruit and vegetables is an excellent strategy for diversifying your vitamin intake. Each colour of fruit or vegetable has a unique nutritional profile. Choose fruit and vegetables that are in season. You can have watermelon, mango or tomato.

Recipe to boost morale and energy   

Take 10 mint leaves, 5 lemongrass leaves, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger root, 1 tablespoon dried hibiscus flowers (bissap), 1 cinnamon stick and 0.5 litres of water.  Bring the water to the boil in a saucepan. Add the ingredients. Leave to boil for about 10 minutes to allow the flavours of the plants to be released into the water. Remove the saucepan from the heat and leave the infusion to stand for 10 minutes. Filter and drink 1 cup morning and evening. You may add a little honey or lemon to taste. In addition to these dietary recommendations, regular physical activity (mainly walking) is also highly recommended to boost the immune system and improve morale.

Raymond DZAKPATA