~Murphys Are Cookin'~ :: ~ Healthy Eating Tips ~

Good Mood Foods

Evidence suggests that getting enough folate in your diet may play a significant role in warding off depression and keeping a positive, upbeat attitude. Are you getting enough?

If you suffer from depression, it's possible you're not. In research funded by the Agricultural Research Service, low blood levels of folate were associated with both mild and major depression. Folate deficiency is also common in people with psychiatric disorders, note the researchers.

The American Dietetic Association recommends that adults get 400 micro-grams of folate daily. Some of the best sources include beef liver and green leafy vegetables, as well as pinto, kidney, and garbanzo beans. But you can also gain the benefits by eating grain products fortified with folic acid, the synthetic form of folate. Grain products that are fortified in the United States include bread, flour, pasta, rice, and breakfast cereals.

Alcohol, certain medications, and anemia can reduce the body's ability to absorb and use folate. Talk to your doctor if you believe any of these factors may be affecting your mood.