FOR OUR HEALTH

We often blame the stresses of modern living as the cause of mental health issues.  However, our resilience to stress and ability to bounce back may be directly linked to diet, sedentary lifestyles, loneliness and substance abuse (eg alchohol). 

Inflammation in the brain and chemical imbalances of neurotransmitters are linked to depression, anxiety and mood disorders. Diets which consist of processed products and red meat triggers inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a major contributing factor to decreased resilience to the stresses of life.

Plants are high in antioxidants and phytochemicals, which generally help to repair damage and decrease inflammation in brain cells. In addition, plant foods (fibre) feed the microbiome which in turn rewards us with increases in good brain chemicals like serotonin, oxytocin and BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor). 

Arachidonic acid present in animal derived products can cause inflammation, by avoiding them we reduce our exposure to inflammation, and hence reduce the risk of depression