Foods that Improve Mental Health
This simple Iranian dish is so delicious. It isn’t traditional to have barberries in this dish, but they work so well, add extra nutritional value, and contribute to reducing inflammation and fighting cellular damage).
Tryptophan-rich chicken improves moods and reduces anxiety and depression. It contributes to better sleep and is a precursor to serotonin, the feel-good hormone, and melatonin, the sleep hormone.
The neuroprotective properties of the bioflavonoids in this dish further enhance brain health by reducing oxidative stress and protecting neurons.
Cinnamon contributes to the improvement of memory and learning, and saffron has positive effects on emotional well-being, too.
The overall anti-inflammatory effects of all of these ingredients reduce neuroinflammation through gut health, which protects against diseases like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s.
Of course, eating a variety of recipes each day that contribute to excellent gut health will reduce chronic inflammation and improve feel-good neurotransmitter production, which all aids in improved mental health.
Another delicious Eat Burn Sleep recipe: essential for good mental well-being; essential for life.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, legs or breasts
- 450g or 1lb dried plums
- 1 tbsp barberries (optional)
- 1 onion
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1 pinch saffron
- 1 cup water
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Directions
Heat the olive oil in a deep pan and fry the onion on medium heat until it becomes translucent.
Add the turmeric powder and fry for another minute. Add the chicken and brown it on all sides.
Add the tomato paste and fry for another minute.
Grind the saffron and mix it with a cup of warm water. Add the cinnamon, lime juice, salt, and saffron water and bring to a boil. Simmer for twenty minutes.
Add the plums and barberries, and simmer for another 20 minutes with the lid on. It’s ready!
Ps: you can find barberries, dried Persian plums, and saffron in any Persian or Middle Eastern food shop.
Serving Tips
Serve with green beans or broccoli and quinoa or sweet potato mash.
