05/04/2025
Sometimes it's okay to give yourself permission to slow down for a while. Sometimes self care looks like preparing a yummy, healthy snack instead of just grabbing a quick mindless snack that you know will make you feel gross the next day. Sometimes self care can look different for different people, and that's okay too!
Anyways, here's some information from Open Evidence about my snack and it's nutritional impact on mental health symptoms. Emojis added by me to break it up a bit
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Medjool dates are rich in vitamins B-complex (B6, folate) and C, as well as minerals like selenium, copper, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients are essential for brain function and mood regulation. Vitamin B6 and folate are involved in neurotransmitter synthesis, while selenium and magnesium have antioxidant properties that protect against oxidative stress, which is linked to depression.
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Cucumbers contain vitamins K and C, and minerals such as potassium and magnesium. Vitamin K is important for brain health, while vitamin C and magnesium have roles in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which are associated with improved mood and cognitive function.
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Cheerios are fortified with several B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, folate) and minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium. B vitamins are crucial for energy production and neurotransmitter synthesis, while iron and zinc are important for cognitive function and mood regulation.
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Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, magnesium, and iron. Flavonoids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can improve brain health and mood. Magnesium and iron are essential for neurotransmitter function and oxygen transport in the brain, respectively.
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Trail mix typically contains nuts and dried fruits, which are sources of vitamins E and B-complex, and minerals like magnesium, zinc, and selenium. These nutrients support brain health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and by aiding neurotransmitter synthesis.
In summary, these foods provide essential vitamins and minerals that play roles in neurotransmitter synthesis, antioxidant defense, and reducing inflammation, all of which are important for maintaining mental health.
Also, peep my little recycled mini garden I put together last weekend.
if you made it down to the bottom of this post, congrats! You'll be pleased to know I added a small pack of rainbow goldfish to the center of the bowl 🌈🐠