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A Juice that Makes You Happy

If you’ve been feeling down lately or suffer from depression, the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a diet with high intakes of fruits and vegetables was associated with fewer depressive symptoms. The study contributed these results to a cumulative effort of the antioxidants in fruits and vegetables. Many studies indicate that more than 7 servings per day is the magic number that supports a happy mood. Here’s what I added to this juice to boost your mood and make you smile.

Dark Leafy Greens:  Folate found in leafy greens helps minimize homocysteine levels which are correlated to depression and poor mood. Eating plentiful folate-rich foods may have an antidepressant effect.

Citrus: Flavonoids found in citrus fruits have a mild anti-depressant activity.

Beets: Beets and their leaves contain tyrosine and B vitamins to support dopamine and serotonin production.

Turmeric: In a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study with a major depressive disorder, turmeric was found to be effective at improving several mood-related symptoms.

Ingredients

  • 4 chard (silverbeet) leaves and stems
  • 1 cup (30 g) spinach
  • 1 large beet (beetroot) and leaves
  • 2 oranges
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 inch (2.5 cm) piece of turmeric

Directions

  1. Wash and scrub all produce well.
  2. Peel the beet, oranges and lemon.
  3. Add all ingredients through juicer and enjoy!

Servings: 1

Serving Size: 16 - 18 oz (500 ml)

Substitutions

  • Chard (silverbeet) – kale, spinach, lettuce, watercress, arugula
  • Spinach – kale, chard, lettuce, watercress, arugula
  • Beets – golden beets, radish, carrots
  • Orange –grapefruit, orange, mandarin
  • Lemon – grapefruit, lime
  • Turmeric – mint, ginger