Nature Wonders - Anti-Depressant

Food to Improve Your Moods & Natural Anti-Depressants

Avocado - can elevate your spirit!

(Avocados contain serotonin, a type of feel-good neurotransmitter)

Raw Cocoa - High in magnesium and contains significant quantities of the essential amino acid Tryptophan, which is crucial for the production of the neurotransmitter, serotonin.

Spinach - Nutrient dense and a powerful health - mood and illness prevention food. Spinach is full of vitamin B9 (folate) which helps the body maintain normal levels of the mood-enhancing neurotransmitter serotonin. Low levels of folate are often associated with depression. RDA is around 400 micrograms. *Some other folate rich foods include asparagus, beans and broccoli.

Chia Seeds - A potent vegetarian source of omega 3 and packed with amino acids.

Sunflower Seeds - Their richness in vitamin E - Selenium and Magnesium all contribute to improving your mood! (also rich in selenium)

10 Natural Ways to Fight Depression

1. Exercise! - Studies have shown that regular exercise can be as effective or better than antidepressants or psychotherapy.

2. Gardening! is known for its meditative and relaxing effects. Medical News Today reports UK scientists found a helpful bacteria in soil that affects the brain in nearly the same way anti depressants do - by increasing the release of serotonin.

3. Ingesting good fats! like omega 3 have been known to produce a positive affect on brain neurotransmitters and is critical for the functionality of the nervous system.

4. Meditation! BBC News reports that meditation reduces depression by over 50%.

5. Natural Vitamins! Studies show that vitamin B-12, Folic acid, vitamin D3 and Tyrosine are fantastic vitamins that naturally fight depression. You can find them in foods like: Fish, Oysters, Beans, Nuts, Whole Grains, and Leafy Vegetables.

6. GET MORE SUN!  Light early in the morning is highly effective on altering your mood positively. Natural sunshine and using light therapy have shown they can have a positive effect as well.

7. BURN SOME INCENSE! A study (that can be found at The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology) has shown that burning resin from the Boswellia plant activates ion channels in the brain that alleviate depression. Floracopeia provides high quality, organic frankincense available as incense and oil.

8. WATCH WHAT YOU EAT! Carbohydrates, alcohol - caffeine and dairy have been reported to cause your mood to plummet. Helpful Tip: Try keeping a food diary of the things you eat and the way you feel each day. (big help)

9. St. John's Wort! the wild yellow flower has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. St. John's Wort is helpful in treating mild to moderate depression. According to two large studies, one sponsored by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

10. GET MORE SLEEP! Irritability and mood swings can often be due to lack of sleep. You need about eight hours a night but most people get less! Stay healthy naturally!