Feeling a little down and need a bit of an energy boost more so in this weather? The good news is that studies have found that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is associated with fewer depressive symptoms. This effect is the cumulative effort of the antioxidants in fruits and vegetables. Apparently, if you take more than 7 servings per day you are guaranteed of a happy mood.
One way you can increase your fruit and vegetables intake to uplift your mood and energy levels is by drinking delicious homemade juices.
Here are a few combinations for that much needed lift:
Green Juice
Ingredients:
- Spinach
- Celery
- Medium apple
- Kale
- Peeled lemon
- Combine in a juicer. Serve when ready.
What’s in this cup?
Lemon helps ease effects of cardiovascular problems, reduces mental stress and depression. Spinach is loaded with manganese and magnesium which are needed for the depression-healing process. Manganese also aids the body in absorbing fatty acids needed for proper functions of the nervous system in addition to the synthesis of B vitamins, amino acid formation and the prevention of mood swings caused by low blood sugar. Magnesium manufactures the enzymes that support healthy brain metabolism and could reduce serotonin levels.
Turmeric Juice
Ingredients:
- 1 thumb Ginger root
- I peeled lemon
- Medium sized pear
- 6 thumbs turmeric root
- 1 Medium apple
- 1 Medium carrot
- Celery
- Combine in a juicer. Serve when ready.
What’s in this cup?
This healthy juice can warm you up during cold nights. It has been known to cure fever, and even help with high blood pressure and arthritis. Apples are loaded with beneficial vitamins and potassium which is known as a depression fighter.
Spinach and Apple Juice
Ingredients:
- 1 Medium apple
- Celery
- ¼ thumb ginger root
- ½ unpeeled lemon
- 1 peeled orange
- Spinach
- Combine in a juicer. Serve when ready.
What’s in this cup?
Enjoy fresh Vitamin C, other vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are great for the body. Oranges and citrus fruits prompt the body to produce dopamine, the feel good hormone. The juice also has flavonoids which are able to reduce symptoms of mild depression.
Red Cabbage Juice
Ingredients:
- Medium apple
- ¼ head of red cabbage
- 1 Medium carrot
- 1 thumb Ginger root
- I Lemon
- Spinach
- Combine in a juicer. Serve when ready.
What’s in this cup?
People who eat high amounts of folic acid experience a significant improvement in depression symptoms and cabbage is filled with folic acid. Cabbage is additionally rich in vitamins C and K, known for alleviating depression, preventing stress, infection, and heart disease.
Pineapple with beets
Ingredients:
- Beetroot
- 2 leaves of red cabbage
- 1 Medium carrot
- ½ Lemon
- 1 Orange
- ¼ whole Pineapple
- Spinach
- Combine in a juicer. Serve when ready.
What’s in this cup?
Beets have betaine -used in depression treatments. They also have trytophan – relaxes your mind and enhances the sense of well-being. Pineapple is a natural mood-lifter and joined with the other ingredients, this juice is the perfect way to elevate energy levels, prevent mood swings, and ease symptoms of depression.
Bonus Happiness Juice
- 1 Lemon
- 1 Carrot
- 1 peeled and chopped Mango
- 2 Handfuls Spinach
- 1/4 cup steeped and cooled chamomile, ginger and lemon balm tea.
- Combine in a juicer. Serve when ready.
What’s in this cup?
Citrus fruits and lemon balm tea naturally brighten moods while mango fruits have a great long lasting and sustained energy boost. Ginger helps to stimulate the body from the inside out, increasing blood flow, digestion and mood while chamomile tea is known to calm the nerves and reduce anxiety.