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Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a feeling of depression that comes about once a year, and as the name suggests, it coincides with changes in the season. And because seasonal changes are uncontrollable, SAD becomes difficult to prevent. Fortunately, there are ways to combat it, like incorporating some of the following food items in one's diet.

Dark chocolate

When a person feels down, they instinctively reach for something sugary. This is because this type of food triggers the temporary rush of serotonin in the brain. In a study, participants who consumed a dark chocolate mixed drink every day for a month showed improved mood. The researchers explained that this is due to the high amount of polyphenol antioxidants in dark chocolate.

Nutritionist Mark Gilbert explains that this is also due to the high amount of magnesium in dark chocolate. This elemental mineral is known to boost energy and reduce symptoms of anxiety.

Bananas

Bananas, a staple in the happiness diet, are known to boost a person's mood. Bananas are high in Vitamin B6, which triggers the production of serotonin, and it is rich in potassium and magnesium, both known to boost a person's mood. In a study from 2020, the moderate consumption of bananas was linked to decreased symptoms of depression in Chinese males.

Fatty fish

Some types of fatty fish, like salmon, tuna, and rainbow trout, all have high levels of Vitamin D, which was found to decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety. Several studies also showed an association between the consumption of fish or omega-3 fatty acid intake and the decrease in risk of depression in women, making it a good addition to this season's meal plans.