Page 21 - Florida Sentinel 11-27-20

Health
LEAN MEATS
Salmon is very rich in lean proteins. While a thick-cut steak is tasty, the high saturated fat content may not be good for your mood or your body. Other lean- cut meats, however, carry plenty of amino acids, which may posi- tively affect your mood. Lean pro- teins also boost energy, which is something you’ll need to help beat fatigue.
BERRIES
Stress exacerbates depression symptoms and drains the body. Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries may help prevent the release of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal gland. During stressful situations, corti- sol heads toward your hippocam- pus, a major portion of the brain that stores memories, provides emotional responses, and helps with navigation.
FOLIC ACID
Researchers have claimed that folic acid can boost the mood. There’s some evidence that the body uses it to increase serotonin levels — a neurotrans- mitter that affects mood — but there’s no definitive evidence yet as to how it works. Folic acid can be found abundantly in leafy greens, oatmeal, sunflower seeds, oranges, fortified cereals, lentils, black-eyed peas, and soybeans.
VITAMIN D
Known as the “sunshine vita- min”, Vitamin D is produced in the body by using cholesterol and absorbing. natural sunshine. Re- search has stated that your mood may improve with as little as 10 minutes of sun exposure per day, which speaks to why light therapy is an important treatment for SAD. Some great food sources for Vitamin D include milk, egg yolks, and mushrooms. You can also get vitamin D in supplement form.
DARK CHOCOLATE
A Hershey’s bar isn’t the healthiest way to self-soothe but dark chocolate is a sweet way to boost your mood. Participants in one study were given a dark chocolate mixed drink every day for a month. Results showed sig- nificantly improved mood, which researchers linked with a high polyphenol content. Polyphenols are a type of antioxidant. When you’re feeling down, pick up a bar with a highest cacao content.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2020 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY PAGE 9-B