Thursday, January 13, 2011

Foods You'll Want to Think About; Energy and Mental Well-being

Robert W. Horovitz, B.Sc., ND
Naturopathic Doctor
The Lifelong Wellness Company Inc.
Active Health Centre
5871 Hwy 7 E
Markham, ON L3P 1A3
Clinic: (905) 294-0454

e-mail: info@lifelongwellnesscentre.com
www.lifelongwellnesscentre.com
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Green Tea: For centuries, green tea has been revered for its energizing properties.  Whole green tea, a source of caffeine interestingly contains L-theanine, revered for its ability to calm the nerves and promote restful sleep.  5-10 cups per day long term has only shown benefit for the heart and the mind. 

Kale: High fiber, combined with powerful disease fighting glucosynolates, is a hormone balancing must have!  Kale is also a very good source of b-vitamins, which are energizing and help support a healthy functioning nervous system

Cacao: High in theobromine, an energizing compound, cacao is also a source of the amino acid tryphtophan, which promotes relaxation and increase the natural production of endorphins.  Combine whole, organic raw cacao nibs with organic goji berries, and you’ll have one of my personal favourite snacks for both energy and mood. 

Wild, Alaskan, Salmon Oil: Omega-3 essential fatty acids contained in fish have been well researched for their ability to nourish the nervous system and improve mental well being.  Did you know that whole salmon does not just contain omega-3 fatty acids, but rather an array of other fatty acids that may have profound health benefits?  Omega 5 and 7 are two such examples.  Moreover, whole salmon oil contains a powerful orange pigment called astaxanthin as well as naturally occurring vitamin D, which have mood modulating properties. 

Sprouted Organic Chia: Chia is a great source of magnesium, b-vitamins, and insoluble fiber.  Additionally, this superfood contains omega-3 fatty acids and is a potent antioxidant reaching an ORAC value that is approximately double that of non-sprouted chia.  For PMS and other potential hormone imbalances, consider a good fiber source such as chia. 

Organic Brown Rice Bran: This food tastes incredibly sweet and is a winner in my opinion in any shake or smoothie.  Having a high b-vitamin content, it is also incredibly versatile in its nutrition.  Compounds such as inositol-6-phosphate are used by the body to coat our nerves and promote a healthy immune system.  It looks great, tastes, great; it is great!

Whey Protein Isolate: Whey is an incredible full spectrum amino acid containing food from dairy.  Whenever analyzing mood disorders, I am compelled to discern whether a patient is consuming enough good quality amino acids throughout the day.  Amino acids are required by the body to produce neurotransmitters and hormones in general so protein adequacy is a must!  Whey protein isolate is relatively low in calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol.  Alongside a good fiber source, protein can help to balance blood sugar for long sustained energy.

Camu camu: A berry from Peru that is one of the highest known vitamin C containing foods in the world.  With an array of other antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, Camu camu has been shown to provide benefit in people suffering from depression.  Interestingly, vitamin C is also required by the body to produce cortisol, one of our main stress supportive hormones.   

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