Monthly Archives: May 2021

Eicosapentaenoic Acid Reduces Cortisol

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5 (n-3)) is a fatty acid found in fish oil. Evidence suggests that fish oil may have antidepressant effects, and this may relate to the presence of EPA. Studies have investigated the effects of EPA on depression … Continue reading

Posted in Anxiety, Depression, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Mood, Stress | Comments Off on Eicosapentaenoic Acid Reduces Cortisol

Schisandra as an Anxiolytic Herb

Schisandra (Fructus Schisandrae) is a herb that is reported to have a number of medicinal effects and may be a useful treatment for stress and mood disorders. Animal studies have investigated the effects of schisandra and shown that administration of … Continue reading

Posted in Anxiety, Depression, Mood, Schizandra, Stress | Comments Off on Schisandra as an Anxiolytic Herb

Schisandra chinensis and Scutellaria baicalensis: Anti-Stress Herbs

Schisandra chinensis (magnolia berry or five-flavor-fruit) is a vine belonging to the (Schisandraceae) family of plants. Schisandra grows in regions of China and Russia and it is thought that it has medicinal properties. Scutellaria baicalensis (Baikal or Chinese skullcap) is … Continue reading

Posted in Anxiety, Depression, Mood, Schizandra, Skullcap (Scutellaria sp.) | Comments Off on Schisandra chinensis and Scutellaria baicalensis: Anti-Stress Herbs

Fish Oils May Reduce Cortisol Levels

Fish oils have a number of health effects in humans and animals. This relates to the ability of fish to deliver long chain marine fats including eicosapentaenoic acid ((EPA, C20:4m (n-3)) and docosahexaenoic acid ((DHA, C22:6 (n-3)). These long chain … Continue reading

Posted in Cortisol, Docosahexaenoic Acid, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Fish Oils, Stress | Comments Off on Fish Oils May Reduce Cortisol Levels

Phosphatidylserine Reduces Cortisol

Phosphatidylserine is a normal component of phospholipids in cell membranes. Nutritionally a good source of phosphatidylserine is soya, and many phosphatidylserine supplements are derived from soya. Evidence suggests that phosphatidylserine is able to reduce serum cortisol levels in humans and … Continue reading

Posted in Cortisol, Phosphatidylserine, Stress | Comments Off on Phosphatidylserine Reduces Cortisol

Catechins Improve Anxiety: The CREB Pathway

Flavonoids are a group of phytochemicals with interesting nutritional properties. They have a number of health effects including the ability to regulate mood. Application of green tea to animals has been shown to improve the spatial learning and memory declines … Continue reading

Posted in Anxiety, Catechin, Depression, Flavonoids, Mood | Comments Off on Catechins Improve Anxiety: The CREB Pathway

More Evidence of Selenium Deficiencies: New Zealand

Selenium is an essential trace mineral required for the correct functions of cells. In this role selenium forms part of a group of proteins called selenoproteins. One important selenoprotein is glutathione peroxidase, a selenoprotein required as an antioxidant in cells. … Continue reading

Posted in Selenium, Trace Minerals | Comments Off on More Evidence of Selenium Deficiencies: New Zealand

Gut Microbiota: The Mood Connection

It is understood that certain dietary patterns have a significant influence on the mood of the consumer. For example, consumption of the Mediterranean diet has been shown to decrease the risk of anxiety and depression. This is thought to relate … Continue reading

Posted in Anxiety, Bacteria, Depression, Gut Health, Mood | Comments Off on Gut Microbiota: The Mood Connection

Which Foods Are Associated with Mood Disorders?

Researchers have investigated the effects of food and drink of mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. For example, it has been shown that the Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower risk of anxiety and depression. Of the foods … Continue reading

Posted in Anxiety, Depression, Fruit, Mediterranean Diet, Mood, Vegetables | Comments Off on Which Foods Are Associated with Mood Disorders?

Are Fruit and Vegetables Protective of Mood Disorders?

Fruit and vegetable intake is associated with a number of positive health effects. One aspect of the health promoting effects of fruit and vegetables may be a beneficial effect on mental health. For example, one study showed that 5 servings … Continue reading

Posted in Anxiety, Depression, Fruit, Mood, Vegetables | Comments Off on Are Fruit and Vegetables Protective of Mood Disorders?