3. Broccoli helps fight depression. Elizabeth Somer, RD, author of Eat Your Way to Happiness, says broccoli is a good source of the mood-boosting B vitamin folate. “Your brain cells won’t turn on without it,” she explains. “It’s no wonder that poor intake of folate increases the risk for depression, fatigue, poor memory, and possibly even more serious mental problems like schizophrenia. People battling the blues who boost their intake of greens such as broccoli say they feel better and happier as a result.”