Honey, Garlic, and Happiness: A Salmon Recipe for the Mind | Mental Health Recipes

Honey and garlic have long been used for their medicinal and wellness properties. Combining the sweetness of honey, the aromatic punch and delicious taste of garlic, and the omega-rich goodness of salmon converge into a dish made for overall health.

After all, it’s undeniable (and as cliché as it sounds…): We are what we eat. To feel good, we must eat plenty of goodness (AKA nutrients) to guide our body and mind toward optimal function. 

Right now, most experts agree that a serving or two of fish per week is important for improved brain health. So, why not try this honey garlic salmon dish on for size? Maybe this will become your go-to recipe every week!

Honey Garlic Salmon: A Delight for Your Taste Buds & Mind

Fish are excellent sources of omega-3s (whose mental health benefits we’ll get to in a second!). And salmon is no exception here! 

In fact, one salmon fillet a week covers most of your omega-3 needs for an entire week. Plus, throw in some honey and garlic, and this dish will keep you coming back for more. So, let’s get cooking!

How Can Honey Garlic Salmon Enhance Your Mental Wellness?

Honey, garlic, and salmon all have pros regarding mental health. So, here’s the full breakdown so you can feel good about this meal (and maybe even add it to your regular weekly rotation!).

The Sweetness of Honey

Honey is a natural and much more beneficial form of sweetness when compared to table sugar. It often has plenty of other nutrients that benefit our health (depending on the quality of honey you purchase). With that in mind, here are a few ways honey can benefit your mood:

• Natural Energy Source: Honey's natural sugars are easily absorbed by the bloodstream, providing a quick energy boost, which can help counteract fatigue and improve mood.
• Antioxidant Properties: The antioxidants in honey can combat oxidative stress in the brain. Oxidative stress is linked to cognitive decline and various neurodegenerative diseases.
• Soothing Effects: The natural sweetness of honey can trigger the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which uplifts mood and promotes a sense of well-being.
• Other Nutrients: Some types of honey, such as Manuka honey, can come with the added benefits of some unique nutrients like MGO (methylglyoxal), which have anti-inflammatory properties. This can further reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and other issues impacting our energy levels, brain, and mental functioning.

The Brain-Boosting Effects of Garlic

Garlic is another food containing plenty of antioxidants, which can have protective effects against neurodegenerative diseases and Alzheimer’s disease. In this way, it can also reduce stress throughout the body, elevating overall health.

Garlic has further shown various anti-depressant properties, meaning it can enhance your mood and mental well-being. It does this by lowering inflammation and potentially increasing serotonin. 

Plus, most of us know that garlic tastes great. As an avid garlic lover, I add this one relentlessly to most dishes!

Related Article: 10 Stress-Reducing Foods to Help You Unwind and Relax

Salmon’s Impact on Brain Health

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA.

These fats are crucial for brain health, improving nerve transmission, and reducing inflammation. Regular consumption can potentially lower the risk of mood disorders like depression and anxiety.

Salmon is also a good source of vitamin D, which plays a vital role in regulating mood and warding off depression.

Adequate vitamin D levels support brain health and cognitive function, and this can be particularly important for those in the darker times of the year who need that vitamin D boost the most (less sunshine means less vitamin D!).

There are also plenty of B vitamins and proteins in salmon, which support energy production, neurotransmitter production and function, and help protect against depression or low moods.