After all this winter madness of constant lockdowns we are finally ready to step outside and enjoy our lives more than ever. Oh yeah! We also all felt how staying at home and being not able to really go out out influenced our mental state. At the Jar - Healthy Vending we take mental health seriously of both our team and our customers.
All these thoughts brought me an idea of discussing mentally healthy nutrition with you. So you are always on top of both your mood and well-being.
What are the essential nutrients for mental health?
Here are some of the most needed nutrients to support our healthy state of mind:
Iron
Iron is involved in many of our neurological processes. Iron deficiency is often associated with anxiety as well as depression symptoms. Some of the studies have also shown positive results on mitigating the risk of psychiatric diseases with the help of iron supplements.
The Jar source of Iron: PRESS Lean Green Smoothie
B Vitamins
Vitamin B9 and B12 are the most needed of the group in means of supporting our brain functions. Folate (B9) and Cobalamin (B12) play their roles in producing brain chemicals that affect our mood. Some of our happy hormones such as norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine also depend on those vitamins.
The Jar source of B Vitamins: LoveRaw Peanut Butters Cups
Selenium
Selenium is more than just a powerful antioxidant and immune system booster. This nutrient also works on improving our mood whether the selenium deprivation showed results on increasing the depression signs.
The Jar source of Selenium: Pollen & Grace Warming Miso + Kimchi Noodle Pot
Zinc
It can seem that Zins is the answer to everything. It helps our immune system, you find it in many beauty products or in supplements for hair & nails. However, Zinc is also our protector against free radical damage. There are many consequences related to zinc deficiency such as depression, increased anxiety, emotional instability, and deficits in social behavior.
The Jar Source of Zinc: PRESS Chickpeas & Barley Chunky Broth
Which diets support mental health?
When thinking of a healthy mental diet the key is to remember all those nutrients you need to support your mind. This can easily be applied to most of the diets as Iron, B9, B12, Selenium and Zinc can be found in both plant based dishes as well as in some meats and fish. Just make sure you take those important nutrients everyday to make sure levels are always at the norm.
Nonetheless, as a personal advice I would recommend trying to switch to Flexetarian or for real doers to Vegan diet. I have been personally experimenting with not eating meat for the past two months. What I definitely saw as the result is improved mood and more energy throughout the day.
Remember, energy is also a vital part of anyone’s mental health. If you have no powers for doing things, how could you even be focusing on your mood and mental state?
Wishing you all to stay sane and healthy.
Your Jar Team
❤️
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