Winter Vegetables to Help Boost Your Mood

For most of us winter is a drag. The days are shorter and colder, and our moods are low. We feel blue and little blah. Consuming the right nutrients however can improve our moods. Here is a list of our top 5 winter vegetables to help boost your mood during the colder months.

Broccoli

Broccoli is jam packed with the B group vitamins, particularly B6, B12and folate. These vitamins improve our production of serotonin; the feel good hormone. Eating broccoli helps keep those feelings of sadness at bay.

Beetroot

Beetroots contain antioxidants that help our bodies produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a compound that encourages our blood vessels to relax. When our blood vessels relax, blood flow is improved. Having a healthy blood flow, especially to our brains, is crucial for our mental health.

Avocado

Avocados are a great source of magnesium. Most of us know that magnesium can help with muscle recovery and cramps, but magnesium is also great for improving our energy levels. During the winter we usually notice a drop in our energy levels. So having avocado as part of your brekkie or lunch salad may help you feel more energised throughout the day.

Lentils

Lentils provide us with a good supply of folate. Folate deficiency has been linked with feelings of depression. Therefore eating more lentils this winter can help boost your mood.

Sweet Potato

Our my favourite mood-boosting food! Sweet potatoes are full of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that offers many health benefits but it is the carbohydrate component found in sweet potatoes that improve our serotonin production. As mentioned before, serotonin is also known as the feel good hormone. Sweet potatoes, like broccoli, can also help keep any feelings of depression at bay.

We all know how great we can feel after we eat a healthy diet. This is particularly true with these winter vegetables that can help boost our moods during these chilli months. Please note these vegetables should be eaten as part of a healthy diet plan. If symptoms of depression and sadness persist please see a professional health care provider.

Disclaimer: Results may vary. Exercise and proper diet are necessary to achieve and maintain weight loss. Consult with your health care processional before beginning any diet or exercise regime.

Tammy Mond
Nutritionist