A Mood-Boosting Smoothie Recipe

Over Mental Health Awareness month, we’re sharing just have you can positively influence your mental wellbeing in your day-to-day life. This week, we’re focusing on nutrition and those all-important mood-boosting nutrients you need in your diet.

On Monday we shared research that shows that the better we eat, the more nutrients we have, and the better our mental health. Our brain - which controls our physical actions, cognition, and emotional state - is fueled by the same thing that fuels the muscles, organs, and systems of our bodies: food. We need essential nutrients for cognitive functioning and emotional wellness. 

Today, we’re sharing a recipe that can do just that…

Super Green Smoothie recipe

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 1 cup frozen mango

• 1 banana

• 2/3 cup milk of choice

• 2 TBSP ground flaxseed

• Large handful kale

• Large handful spinach

• Squeeze of lemon juice

How to make it: Simply add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth!

Nutritional benefits: This smoothie has lots of incredible nutrients that are amazing for your mood…

• B6: Essential for regulating brain function (influencing our emotions) and can effectively treat premenstrual depression

Found in: Bananas - just 1 has around 33% of your daily needs. Also in kale and mango.

• Iron: If you're not getting enough of this essential mineral in your diet, you could be more prone to stress - as a mama or mama-to-be, getting help in the stress-reduction space is always welcome

Found in: Flaxseed, spinach, and kale

• Folic acid: Not only important for your baby's development, but a deficiency in this B-vitamin can lead to fatigue, and low levels are linked to higher rates of depression

Found in: Spinach and kale

• Calcium: Low levels of this nutrient can play a role in PMS-related depression

Found in: kale, spinach, and milk (almond milk is a good plant-based source of calcium)

Find out more about essential mood-boosting nutrients.

What’s your favorite mood-boosting recipe or summer smoothie? Let us know in the comments!

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