Banana Bliss: A Fro-Yo Recipe for a Happier, Healthier Mind | Mental Health Recipes

Getting out of a funk can sometimes be as simple as indulging in a refreshing bowl of homemade goodness.

In a world riddled with constant hustles, bustles, and stresses, it becomes essential to embrace small acts of self-love. So, not to sound cliché… But it’s time to treat yourself!

This banana frozen yogurt will quench your sweet tooth and uplift your mood.

So, let’s peel away the stresses and step into a world of cool comfort and sweet serenity with our homemade banana frozen yogurt.

The Best Banana Frozen Yogurt 

Bananas are known to promote heart health, aid digestion, and, yes, elevate mood.

This is due to their richness in Vitamin B6, which helps produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine (more on this in a second!).

When blended with the creamy texture and probiotic benefits of yogurt, these sweet wonders turn into a bowl of indulgence, ready to uplift your spirits and comfort your soul. 

And did I mention how simple this recipe is?

While two hours and five minutes sounds like a lot of time, rest assured that two hours of this time is merely waiting for your bananas to freeze in the freezer. In other words, the amount of work you do is a mere five minutes.

For “healthy” ice cream, it really doesn’t get much better than that!

How Can This Banana Fro-Yo Lift Your Spirits?

Considering there are very few ingredients, let’s break this one down by each of its three components, starting with the VIP.

Bananas Offer Tons of Mental Health Benefits

Bananas offer a simple and tasty way to keep our mood elevated. First up, they are loaded with vitamin B6, which the body needs to make specific neurotransmitters. These chemicals send signals from our body to our brain, affecting our mood. 

Most notably, two important neurotransmitters that relate to mood are serotonin and dopamine. Often called the "feel-good" chemicals, they help to boost mood and make us feel happy.

In fact, vitamin B6 is associated with reduced anxiety and decreased depression symptoms. Since vitamin B6 can boost those feel-good hormones, they can help us feel less anxious and stressed. 

Additionally, bananas contain a small amount of magnesium. Magnesium is another nutrient that can help improve relaxation, decrease stress, and improve mood. In fact, various research indicates that magnesium may be useful in treating certain mental health conditions, like depression.

Another hero in this fruit: Fiber! Surprisingly, research indicates that adequate fiber intake may play a role in reducing the risk of anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues. This is likely due to fiber’s role in balancing out the bacteria present in the gut microbiome. 

The gut-brain axis is no joke, and fiber can play a huge part in promoting positive effects when it comes to digestion and mental wellness.

Related Article: Reduce Anxiety: 4 Calming Techniques to Help Rewire Your Brain

Greek Yogurt is Packed With Probiotics

Greek yogurt is rich in probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that promote a healthy gut.

A healthy gut is essential because it's closely connected to our brain through the gut-brain axis (as mentioned above). This connection means that maintaining a healthy digestive system can have a positive impact on our mood and mental health.

Probiotics in Greek yogurt help maintain a balance of good bacteria in our gut. When our gut is healthy, it’s better at absorbing nutrients from the food we eat, including those that are vital for brain health and mood regulation.

A well-nourished body supports a well-nourished mind, enabling us to think clearly and feel good emotionally.

Greek yogurt is also an excellent source of protein and calcium. Protein is vital for the repair and growth of body tissues and the production of neurotransmitters, which, as mentioned earlier, play a critical role in regulating our mood. Calcium is further crucial for nerve function, which affects how we feel and react.

Then, There’s the Natural Powers of Honey!

Honey, a sweet and natural substance, is not just a delightful sweetener but also a great source of beneficial nutrients. Known for its high amount of antioxidants, honey has anti-inflammatory properties.

Chronic inflammation can have adverse effects on the brain. In fact, studies show how chronic inflammation may contribute to depression and fatigue, leading to a low mood. By helping reduce inflammation, honey might just play a role in maintaining brain health and mental wellness.

Honey is also a healthier alternative to refined sugar for a sweet taste in this recipe and more. Surprisingly, refined sugar is linked to increasing mental health disorders. Thus, replacing a little bit of sugar with honey can be beneficial in this regard.