London Drugs

Focus On Health

Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet

Midlife Weight Gain

Safely Back to School

Update on Osteoporosis

Bits and Pieces

Healthy Eating

Good Mood Food

More and more, researchers who have studied levels of "good mood" chemicals in the brain, are finding that certain foods have a profound effect. Not least among these is chocolate (something women have suspected for many years!)

Chocolate has the effect of raising the level of seratonin in the brain - in much the same way as antidepressant drugs. While you would have to consume pounds of chocolate to achieve the same effect as pharmaceuticals, the sweet, silky treat can still play a role in elevating mood. If your daily calorie intake/energy expenditure allows for a square or two of chocolate., be sure to buy the type that contains at least 70 perect cocoa. It's high in cholesterol-fighting antioxidants, and the flavor is mor eintense (meaning you will likely desire less). You can find a variety of chocolate bars containing at least 70 percent cocoa in the confectionary aisle at London Drugs.

The omega-3 oils found in fish also have a powerful impact on mood. people who eat fish tend to be less depressed. Joseph R. Hibbeln and colleagues at the U.S. National Institutes of Health say that, around the world, depression rates drop as fish consumption rises. The Japanese, who eat the most fish, are the least depressed. Omega-3 oils in fish manipulate brain chemistry to enhance mood.

Drink Your Veggies

Nu-Greens® VegiSplash® is a premium vegetable super-food drink containing a blend of 54 nutrients formulated to promote vitality, cleanse the body of toxins, enhance brain function, support the immune system and promote health and longevity. Each glass provides the equivalent of six servings of fruits and vegetables and is also suitable for people with diabetes. Included in the formulation are tomatoes (providing lycopene - known to help prevent breast and prostate cancers); broccoli and other greens; spirulina; mixed sea vegetables; milk thistle seeds; pomegranate and probiotic bacteria.

For a chance of pace, blend VegiSplash® with other vegetable-based drinks. Add to your tomato-based food recipes, like dips and pastas, or mix with healthy, low-fat mayonnaise for a delicious sandwich spread. Sprinkle on popcorn, burgers and salads for extra flavour and nutrition. Nu-Greens® VegiSplash® is now available from London Drugs.

VegiSplash Party Dip

This tasty good-for-you dip is too good to serve just at parties. Serve it any time with fresh veggies as a healthful snack.

1 cup fat-free sour cream or plain yogurt
3 tbsp. reduced-fat mayonnaise
3 scoops VegiSplash
1/2 tsp. curry powder (optional)
1 tbsp. dill or chopped cilantro for garnish

Mix first four ingredients together and leave in refrigerator for four hours or overnight to allow flavours to blend. Sprinkle with garnish before serving.