Monthly Archives: October 2021

The Pectin Content of Oranges

Posted on October 29, 2021 by Robert Barrington

Oranges contain fibre, which is mainly in the form of pectin. Pectin is a common fibre in fruit and it gives fruit health properties that are not present in pectin-free foods. One aspect of pectin that is useful is the … Continue reading →

Posted in Oranges, Pectin | Comments Off on The Pectin Content of Oranges

Resveratrol and Mood

Posted on October 28, 2021 by Robert Barrington

Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in the skins of red grapes and therefore red wine is a rich source. Resveratrol is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and studies show that it may confer a number of health effects. One aspect of … Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety, Depression, Mood, Resveratrol | Comments Off on Resveratrol and Mood

A High Polyphenol Diet and Mood

Posted on October 27, 2021 by Robert Barrington

Polyphenols are a group of phytonutrients characterised by their phenol ring structure. This structure makes them chemically useful antioxidants as the hydroxyl groups are able to donate electrons, becoming oxidised in the process, but the unpaired electronic structure does not … Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety, Depression, Mood, Polyphenols | Comments Off on A High Polyphenol Diet and Mood

Phenolic Compounds Modulate Brain Function

Posted on October 26, 2021 by Robert Barrington

Phenolic compounds are abundant in plants as they are used by the plants as secondary metabolites. When humans and animals eat the plants they can absorb the phenolic compounds or their metabolites following bacterial alteration, and this may provide significant … Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety, Depression, Mood, Polyphenols | Comments Off on Phenolic Compounds Modulate Brain Function

Gut Bacteria and Anxiety

Posted on October 25, 2021 by Robert Barrington

One of the main factors that can influence the mood of an individual is the health of the gut. In particular, the variety of bacteria within the gut can have a significant impact on mental health. In turn, both diet … Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety, Bacteria, Depression, Fat, Gut Health, Mood | Comments Off on Gut Bacteria and Anxiety

Serotonin and Anxiety

Posted on October 22, 2021 by Robert Barrington

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter found in humans and animals that is synthesised from the amino acid tryptophan. It is often considered that the function of serotonin is to induce a sense of well being and contentment. However, within the brain … Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety, Depression, Mood, Serotonin | Comments Off on Serotonin and Anxiety

Vanillic Acid as An Antidepressant: Mechanisms

Posted on October 21, 2021 by Robert Barrington

Vanillic acid is a polyphenolic substance found in plants. Vanillic acid is an oxidised form of vanilla, and is characterised by a similar creamy flavour. The neuroprotective effects of vanillic acid have been evidenced and a number of studies have … Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety, Depression, Mood, Vanillic Acid | Comments Off on Vanillic Acid as An Antidepressant: Mechanisms

Therapeutics of Vanillic Acid

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Robert Barrington

Vanillic acid is a polyphenolic phytochemical. Like all polyphenols, vanillic acid is derived from benzoic acid through enzymatic reactions in plant cells. In cuisine, vanillic acid is used as a flavour enhancer and preservative, and this latter role is possible … Continue reading →

Posted in Antioxidant, Anxiety, Brain, Depression, Inflammation, Mood, Vanillic Acid | Comments Off on Therapeutics of Vanillic Acid

Fats, Lipids and Mood

Posted on October 19, 2021 by Robert Barrington

The brain contains large amounts of lipids, which are located particularly in the cell membranes of neurones. The lipid in the diet can directly influence the fat in the brain, and it has been shown for example that diets high … Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety, Depression, Fat, Mood | Comments Off on Fats, Lipids and Mood

Vanillic Acid Against Mood Disorders?

Posted on October 18, 2021 by Robert Barrington

Vanillic acid is a polyphenolic compound that is found in a range of edible plants and herbs such as the trunk bark of Amburana cearensis and in the roots of Angelica sinensis. Evidence suggests that vanillic acid has antioxidant and … Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety, Depression, Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis), Mood, Vanillic Acid | Comments Off on Vanillic Acid Against Mood Disorders?