Mental Health: Which Natural Ingredients Can Help

It’s no secret mental health and physical health are interconnected, try to separate the two and you’ll always go back to linking the same dots together. This begs the question, what happens inside our bodies when we are struggling with mental health? How do our “mental worries” impact us physically? Put simply, our brains don’t absorb enough of the right vitamins and minerals that help us to think clearly and stay balanced. Hence, it is so important to understand how we can support our bodies - naturally - in such sensitive times.

So don’t go mental, find your zen (and omega 3s)! Read on as we breakdown the science behind natural ingredients and their direct effect on our mental health.

The science behind natural ingredients
Saffron extracts Sourced from the Crocus flower, saffron extracts have been shown to contribute to emotional and mental balance, support relaxation and maintain a positive mood. Clinical trials have shown that 30mg of Persian saffron extract significantly corrects severe mood troubles compared to a placebo, with the first significant positive effects observed after 1 week. And what’s more, 30mg daily saffron extract provides the same effectiveness as well-known pharmaceutical mood stabilizers, such as fluoxetine and imipramine, without any adverse effects.

L-theanine Remember a time when someone had a shock or trauma, the first thing they were offered was a nice cup of tea, but why? That’s because of the L-Theanine in the tea that had a calming effect. L-theanine increases dopamine and serotonin production in the brain and is proven to induce relaxation through the enhancement of alpha wave activity in the brain.

Magnesium Magnesium has anxiolytic (reduces anxiety) properties, increases stress tolerance, and is an effective antidepressant. It is essential for optimal nerve transmission and is involved in the formation of membrane phospholipids, playing a fundamental role in the correct functioning of the central nervous system . It is worth mentioning that Magnesium insufficiency and deficiency are rampant in the UAE and most industrialized nations, more than half of the population (ages ≥4 years) is under-consuming this vital mineral.

B6 Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) is important for normal brain development and for keeping the nervous system and immune system healthy. Its role focuses on the production of neurotransmitters such as GABA (GABA activity helps you have a healthy response to stress by preventing neurons from sending out messages that would "fire up" the body), serotonin and dopamine - leaving you relaxed.

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that play a vital role in maintaining the overall health of the body with anti-inflammatory properties that have been linked to improved mental health.

There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids: EPA, DHA, and ALA. Studies have shown that people who consume higher amounts of EPA and DHA have a lower risk of developing mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety. Omega 3 may also improve mental health by reducing inflammation in the brain which can increase neurotransmitter production involved in mood regulation or protect against development of mental disorders.

Valeo’s Zen+ & Super Omega+ Supplements for Mental Support
Valeo’s natural, top quality and highly curated supplements are here to keep some smooth sailing. Zen+ & Super Omega+ are rich in all the above mentioned natural ingredients and work perfectly well hand in hand to produce optimal improved mood and cognitive function. 

Their properties combined contribute to emotional and mental balance and may improve the ability to focus and concentrate; some studies have suggested that taking a combination of omega 3 oils, Saffron extract and L-theanine may help to reduce anxiety and improve mood, and reduce symptoms of depression in individuals with mild to moderate depression. Another study found that a combination of Omega 3 and saffron extract improved cognitive function in individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

So get the right supplementation support to feed your body impactful nutrients and ultimately boost your mental health. Valeo’s health experts are always available to guide you throughout the process with a FREE online consultation. And remember, it is  important to recognize the signs of mental distress and seek help if needed. Everyone deserves access to quality care and support when facing mental health challenges.