Be Happy! Boost your mood with Olive Oil

Help yourself beat the winter blues with the right diet

‘Winter is generally a difficult time for lots of people,’ says Beth Murphy, head of information at mental health charity Mind.

‘The shorter days, with fewer hours and long dark nights have an effect on people’s mood, making things more difficult for those who are already prone to depression.

‘People with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) for example often experience their depression in winter.’

However, what you eat can have a positive impact, with studies showing that foods associated with the Mediterranean can bring a real mental boost.

‘The sunny weather and healthy diet associated with areas around the Mediterranean has a positive effect on health generally, and some studies have shown the positive impact of these foods on mood,’ adds Murphy.

A study in Spain in 2009 showed that individuals who followed a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in olive oil, vegetables, beans and fruit, were 30 per cent less likely to suffer from depression.

An olive oil diet

Some of the foods from the Mediterranean, such as wholegrain cereals, oily fish, colorful vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes and olives, are a healthy and tasty way to bring some sunshine into the dark months.

‘This diet, rich in vegetables and whole grains all drizzled with olive oil, can have a real impact on mental health and depression,’ adds Helen Bond from the British Dietetic Association.

Try taking a tablespoon of olive oil a day, or try a spoonful in your coffee!

Start living a healthier and happier life today!
with Galilee Green Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Israel

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