Foods Influence on Mental Health Flashcards
How do antioxidants promote mental health?
Imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body can cause damage to brain cells and reduce the amount of dopamine and serotonin.
How does vitamin B12 promote mental health?
Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in the central nervous system and is involved in the production of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain.
How does folate promote mental health?
Helps the formation of neurotransmitters, including dopamine and serotonin. It can also assist with depression, irritability, and mental fatigue because it can be broken down by the body and used as an energy source.
How does vitamin D promote mental health?
It assists calcium absorption and retention in bones and teeth and regulates inflammation and the immune system. The Body also need vitamin D to produce dopamine and serotonin.
Source of vitamin D
Produced by the body when skin is exposed to the sun.
Sources of folate
Various fruits and vegetables (asparagus, beetroot, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, citrus fruits, leafy greens), eggs, legumes, beef liver, nuts and seeds.
Source of vitamin B12
Dariy products, eggs, fish, meat, and poultry. other fortified product include soy milk, plant based meats and yeast spreads like vegemite.