How Does The Food We Eat Affect The Mind?

The adage 'We are what we eat' means basically that the foods that we eat affect us in more ways than one with regards to not only the physical aspect of our body but also the much subtler mental aspect as well.

The food that we consume gets digested in the stomach where the vital nutrients like proteins, fats and carbohydrates and other trace elements constituting the food are broken down and used to feed the various cells of our body including those of the brain wherein most of the processes related to the mental aspect of our body take place.

In scientific terms chemicals like serotonin, acetylcholine and dopamine that are produced in the brain and which influence the way we think by interpreting the things around us and our consequent behavior are themselves affected by what we eat; for example foods high in artificial flavors and colors are known to interfere with the working of these chemicals.

Foods containing alcohol, caffeine, meat and high quantities of sugar and salt are known to have an adverse effect on our mental health while fresh wholesome foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains have a beneficial and harmonious effect on our mental condition.     

Give the name of vegetable or fruit that provide proteins or vitamins that will affect our minds.