Brighten Your Plate and Your Day: A Quick and Easy Broccoli and Chicken Stir-Fry | Mental Health Recipes

Need a little something to add a dash of cheer to your plate and pep to your step? Well, you're in for a treat! 

This broccoli and chicken stir-fry dish is not only delicious, but also packed with colors and flavors to instantly elevate your mood. It also will quench any stir-fry craving you’re having while boosting your mental and physical well-being.

So, if you love a good stir-fry as much as I do, you’ve got to try this recipe.

Stir-Fry Your Way Toward a Happier Day!

I love a good stir-fry, but not going to lie; ordering a stir-fry for delivery can be ultra-expensive these days. Yet, making it home is super affordable (and easy!). I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count. Plus, it’s really good served over rice or pasta (the choice is yours!).

So, let’s get frying.

How Can This Stir-Fry Lead to a Sunnier Day?

Broccoli, onion, mushrooms, and chicken offer tons for your body and mind. So, here’s the lowdown on why this recipe is a good one to brighten up your day!

1. Yes, Broccoli is Really Good For You!

Your parents were right; this veggie shouldn’t be one that’s left on your dinner plate. Broccoli is full of beneficial vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, helping elevate your physical and mental health. 

In particular, the antioxidant sulforaphane is raved about for its potential benefits. It’s thought this antioxidant can help balance blood sugar, which may contribute to a more stable mood and also stable energy!

It’s also associated with reduced chronic disease development, potentially due to its ability to decrease inflammation in the body. In turn, this may also lower one’s risk of developing anxiety or depression.

Interestingly, broccoli, along with leafy greens, is further associated with reducing cognitive decline, indicating its impact on overall brain health. 

2. Onions May Boost Serotonin.

While onions are also filled with plenty of nutrients, quercetin and sulfur compounds take center stage here. It’s thought these compounds contribute to increased serotonin levels in the brain, which can elevate your mood (and even improve your sleep!). 

It’s further thought onions may contribute to decreased inflammation, improving whole body and mental wellness.

3. People Who Eat Mushrooms Have Lower Levels of Depression.

White mushrooms are associated with a decreased risk of depression. It’s also thought this is linked to how mushrooms lower oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. But that’s not all!

White mushrooms can also help get things moving along in your digestive tract, which may help relieve constipation and prevent toxins from getting reabsorbed in the intestines. In turn, this lowers the toxic load on the body, helping your mind and organs function as they should.

4. Chicken Contains Plenty of Protein.

100 grams of chicken contains about 31 grams of protein, which is the perfect amount at every meal to reach your daily quota.

Protein is important for mental health, since it contributes to the production of various neurotransmitters that are responsible for our mood. In turn, this can ensure we don’t become anxious or depressed (or it can also help reduce this!).

Related Article: Boost Your Serotonin Levels With This Easy Turmeric Chicken Recipe