FEEL BETTER IN FIVE

Big changes start with simple steps. Try these ideas to help improve your wellbeing.

- KAREN FITTALL

1 EAT MUSHROOMS TO IMPROVE YOUR MOOD

The results of a brand new study carried out in the US show that people who make mushrooms a regular part of their diet have a lower risk of developing depression. It’s likely thanks to the fact that mushrooms are the richest dietary source of something called ergothioneine, an amino acid that’s a powerful antioxidant and has been shown, in other studies, to help reduce the risk of anxiety and depression. To enjoy the effect, you don’t have to eat fancy mushrooms either – according to the study any type will be beneficial, but it is worth noting that oyster and shiitake mushrooms contain the highest amounts of the antioxidant. And because ergothioneine is heat stable, you can eat mushrooms raw in a salad or cooked as part of a meal and still enjoy the benefits. More good news? Ergothioneine has also been recognised for its anti-ageing potential, too.

2 CHAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT, TOO