Sunday, January 30, 2011

Nutrients that help BOOST your mood!

During these winter months, sometimes I don't feel as energized or excited as I do during the summer. So I try to make sure I eat foods that make me feel good! Here are a list of some nutrients that help you boost your mood during these dreary winter months:

1. Omega 3-fatty acids
Some people believe that omega 3-fatty acids could possibly help elminate depression. So what foods are rich in omega 3's? Oily fish (ex. salmon), ground flaxseeds, canola oil, walnuts, and eggs rich in omega 3's.

2. Folic Acid and B12
These two B vitamins are believed to have a great effect on your mood. Some scientists believe that these vitamins helps create serotonin in our bodies. Serotonin a key neurotransmitter that helps balance our mood. Eggs, wild salmon, fortified whole grain cereal, low fat yogurt, and low fat milk are all foods rich in B12. Oatmeal, beets, lentils, broccoli, and oranges contain folate.

3. Vitamin D
Vitamin D has been known to help alleviate the winter blues! Recently some studies have shown that vitamin D increases serotonin in the brain. There are a few foods that do contain vitamin D such as fat free or low fat milk, fortified soy milk, and egg yolks.

Try to get these nutrients into your body daily to help eliminate those winter blues!

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