by Kelley Herring
Feeling a little low? Blame it on depleted soil.
As depression rates continue to rise, soil levels of selenium are plummeting. Because the selenium content of food depends on the soil in which they were grown, our food supply is coming up short to deliver this critical nutrient.
An article published in the journal Medical Hypotheses explains how this mineral affects mood. Because selenium is required for the proper function of the thyroid and the thyroid plays an important role in our mood and behavior people with a selenium deficiency may have an increased risk for depression.
To get more selenium nosh on Brazil nuts. A one ounce serving provides a hefty 767% of the daily value. You can also use our Personalized Recipe Search to find delicious recipes high in selenium.