Chromium
This trace mineral aids in metabolism, including regulation of insulin. Chromium increases serotonin, norepinephrine, and melatonin; all vital in regulating mood.
Research has found that increasing chromium works on multiple levels to decrease depression the same way a prescription drug for depression would.
Verywell reported:
“Research in both animals and humans has shown that chromium seems to decrease the activity of a particular type of serotonin receptor called a 5-HT 2A receptor. Scientists haven’t figured how this happens, but the effect is similar to that seen in people who’ve used antidepressants for a long time.”
Recommended Daily Allowance: 25 mcg per day for women; 35 mcg per day for men
Food sources of chromium:
- Broccoli (1 / 2 cup): 11 mcg
- Grape juice (1 cup): 8 mcg
- Whole-wheat English muffin (1 piece): 4 mcg
- Potatoes, mashed (1 cup): 3 mcg
- Turkey breast (1 / 3 cup): 2 mcg