4 min read
5 Nutrients in Good Green Vitality for Stress and Mental Health
Posted By
Aneta Urbaskova
What you put into your body can affect your sense of wellbeing and mood. There is a growing body of evidence indicating that nutrition may play an important role in mental health. Just like the other organs in your body, your brain needs plenty of nutrients to function optimally.
Our flagship product, Good Green Vitality, is built on a real food base of fruits, vegetables, herbs and superfoods which contain powerful antioxidants, phytonutrients and adaptogens, all handpicked by our scientific researchers for their cognitive benefits and stress-busting abilities.
We have highlighted 5 nutrients found in Good Green Vitality that have the potential to minimise stress and optimise your mental wellness. These are only a few of the many ingredients that work synergistically to optimise brain health.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, known as Indian ginseng, or Indian winter cherry, is a traditional medicinal herb that has been used for many years. It is commonly known as an adaptogen, which helps improve tolerance to stress.
In a review of placebo vs treatment controlled studies, ashwagandha significantly reduced anxiety and stress.1 Good Green Vitality uses 80mg of ashwagandha root, which provides many beneficial compounds.
Zinc
Zinc is a commonly known trace mineral, which means we do not need vast amounts, yet it is responsible for many of the body's functions - metabolism, DNA synthesis, immune function, and much more.
Zinc deficiency is associated with depression and anxiety. When we become stressed, the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in our brains falls; this can develop into depression and anxiety.6 Zinc can help elevate levels of BDNF in the areas of our brain that control our emotions.7 Many studies have supported the notion that those with anxiety and depression tend to have low levels of zinc in the body.8
Good Green Vitality contains 12mg of Zinc citrate, which is considered one of, if not the most, absorbable forms of zinc, with absorption rates greater than 61%.
Rhodiola
Rhodiola Rosea, or golden root, is a culinary and medicinal herb that grows throughout Central Asia, North America and the mountainous regions of Europe. Good Green Vitality contains 100mg of Rhodiola plant extract; this is commonly used as an anti-depressant and ‘adaptogenic’ herb, helping the body deal more effectively with stress - it is thought to improve physical and mental performance and resilience.2
Panax Ginseng
The root of the Panax ginseng plant has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for thousands of years, primarily as a calming agent and adaptogen. Panax ginseng is good for the body and the mind. We chose to include a high-quality Panax ginseng extract for its brain-boosting, stress-busting abilities - with 100mg in one serving of Good Green Vitality. It is well known for its potential to boost mood, protect the brain against oxidative stress and minimise mental fatigue.34
Learn more about the brain boosting effects of Panax ginseng here
Bioflavonoids
Good Green Vitality contains an array of bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids are naturally occurring compounds found in many plants and fungi foods. They are considered potent antioxidants and exert a range of health benefits, including neural benefits. Preliminary evidence suggests that bioflavonoids can help to improve cognition and memory.5
Different bioflavonoids have slightly different actions in the body, and so, by providing a spectrum of flavonoid compounds, there is the optimal opportunity to support overall health.
References
-
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4270108/
-
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21036578/
-
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15982990/
-
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264599595_The_effects_of_flavonoid_and_other_polyphenol_consumption_on_cognitive_function_A_systematic_review_of_human_experimental_and_epidemiological_studies
-
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2732010/
-
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33632103/
-
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3738454/
Related nutrition
min read
Do you Need a Protein Supplement?
Not sure if you should incorporate a protein supplement into your diet? Keep reading to see why a little extra protein can be beneficial for everybody.
min read
Everything you Need to Know About FODMAPs
FODMAPs occur naturally in the diet and can, for many, be tolerated well and some can even help to feed good bacteria in the gut. But many people can also be sensitive to the effects of FODMAPs, and these can cause gas, stomach pain and bloating. Here's everything you need to know about them.
min read
The Brain Boosting Benefits of Panax Ginseng
Ginseng, a herbal medicine in widespread use, is one ingredient in Good Green Vitality chosen for its brain-boosting potential. Find out more about why we chose to use Panax Ginseng.
min read
Eating For a Healthy Headspace
There is an undeniable connection between food, nutrition and human mental health and happiness. For many of us, there are only a few things in life that might bring us more joy and anticipation than our favourite meal. And there is so much more to it than that.
min read
The Truth About Sports Supplements
A migraine-free look at some of the more common sport supplements you might come across and see if they really work, so you can decide what is right for you and what’s best left on the shelf.
min read
Our Vegan Menu
Stuck for ideas to get you through Veganuary? We have just the menu to inspire you, and show you that being plant based isn't boring, especially when you include Nuzest in your cooking!
min read
The Importance of Meal Preparation and Planning
Here are our top three ‘ how to steps ’ for meal preparation that will encourag e success ful healthy habits in this New Year.
min read
Healthy Ageing with Clean Lean Protein
Accredited Practicing Dietitian, Rachel Hawkins, discusses how Clean Lean Protein can help to support healthy ageing.
min read
Foods to Boost your Mood
Our dietary choices influence, not only our energy levels, but the chemicals in our brains, which are highly responsive to our food intake. Believe it or not, your comfort food is a temporary fix. A completely different happiness; one that really isn’t going to roll over into the next day.
Instead, eat yourself happy with the following foods…
min read
Myth Busting Inflammation
Inflammation has always been a hot topic among the health conscious. But, as with all popular health topics, the large sea of information made available to us through a simple Google search can make it difficult to determine fact from fiction.
We asked Dietitian and Nutritionist, Rachel Hawkins, to set the record straight by busting 5 common myths.
min read
Fuelling Your Performance
We recently spoke to Accredited Practicing Dietitian, Jonathan Steedman about his advice for fuelling for endurance, speed, strength, and power performance.
min read
Stevia - The Good and The Bad
The low-down...All you need to know about Stevia, with the evidence!
min read
Why Not Whey?
We are often asked why we chose pea protein for our Clean Lean Protein? Why would we choose a pea when there are so many other protein supplements on the market? Why not whey?