Foods to Support Mood

"More than half of the human brain is composed of fat, and two types seem to be crucial to mood:  the omega-3 fats DHA and EPA, found in fish such as salmon and mackerel.  In December 2011, a research review by the New York State Psychiatric Institute concluded that EPA can significantly reduce the symptoms of depression."  Melinda Wenner Moyer

The other foods which support well-being are tomatoes, spinach, whole grains, dark chocolate, spinach and red meat -- according to an article in Parade, July 8, 2012.  According to Drew Ramsey, M.D., Columbia University, people with high levels of carotenoids (found in tomatoes) have lower rates of memory loss and dementia.  It is important for us who are caregivers to bolster our own health, and good nutrition is one way.   A person was telling me recently of someone who ate only a certain number of calories a day, but the person did not care whether the calories were in a hot-fudge sundae or a hamburger.  Calories are something to consider, but not at the expense of nutrition.  The calories of an ice cream sundae and a meal of fish and brown rice may not be much different, but the nutritional value is markedly different.  I have never paid too much attention to calories (because of fortunate genetics, I am naturally slender), but I do usually avoid empty calories, i.e. cake, cookies, etc.; and I seem to naturally gravitate toward nutritious selections as preference.  Regardless of our genetic heritage, we can each support our own health by being mindful to include the above foods in our diets each week.