Know someone who’s feeling “the blues?” Bring them a big mood-boosting bunch of vitamin C-rich fruit and vegetables. New research found a rapid and dramatic improvement in the emotional state of hospitalized patients who increased their vitamin C intake.
In a study recently published in the journal Nutrition, Canadian researchers assigned 34 patients (ages 50-83) to either a high-vitamin C or high-vitamin D regimen, monitoring patients’ moods over the course of 7 to 10 days. Mood scores were determined by a questionnaire of 30 questions. Blood levels of vitamin C rose, as expected, while mood disturbances declined by an amazing 34%. Patients taking vitamin D supplements enjoyed no mood improvement, even though previous research has found lower levels of vitamin D among seniors reporting more symptoms of depression.
While this study used over eight times the RDA of vitamin C, it’s not as hard as you might think to push your C levels through the roof with whole food sources. Look how much a cup of each of the following contributes to your vitamin C needs:
Red Bell Pepper................320%
kiwi..........................................280%
Broccoli.................................170%
Oranges................................160%
Papaya....................................140%
Pineapple..............................130%
In addition to moderating the grumps, vitamin C yields a multitude of other benefits, including improved brain performance, enhanced fat burning, better skin condition, stronger bones, and reduced inflammation.
Bonus: Feeling melancholic? Check your folic. Tufts researchers found folate deficiencies in a large proportion of those recovering from depression. Top folate sources include beans, spinach, beets, artichokes and Brussels sprouts.
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It may sound unbelievable, but at Florida Hospital, we are on a mission to help you do just that. Through support and education, we want to help you kick-start your journey to living a healthier, happier life. You’re already committed to a lifestyle that supports a healthy mind, body and spirit, why not become a Healthy 100 member? Visit www.healthy100.org
