Food and Thought Newsletter - April 2025

April 14, 2025

Share this article

Protein and Mental Health
You may be aware that protein is an essential nutrient for building strong muscles and organs, as well as for cell repair. But did you know that it also appears to have an impact on mood and memory as well? Several new studies are pointing to the importance of the dietary intake of protein on cognitive health and depressive symptoms. So, how much is enough? Can you get too much protein? And what are the best sources of protein for optimal brain functioning? Read on to find out!

Animal and Plant-based Sources of Protein
Animal proteins are complete proteins. That means they contain all the essential amino acids that you need in your diet. Plant proteins are often, but not always, incomplete sources of protein. There are benefits and concerns with both types of protein, however, diets that rely mostly on plants for protein have been linked to a lower risk of stroke, heart disease, and early death.1
What you actually need from protein are the amino acids. You need 20 different ones. Your body makes some of them, but you must get nine from your diet. These are called essential amino acids. Complete proteins provide all nine essential amino acids.
Most plant sources of protein are incomplete. However, you can get all the essential amino acids you need from plant foods, as long as you eat a variety of them.

How Much Protein Do We Really Need? 
There is no one-size fits all number for how much protein we should eat in a day, but for most people, a good rule of thumb is to get 25% of your calories from protein. Talk to your doctor about your optimal caloric and protein intake numbers.
* While it is important to eat a diet rich in protein, too much can lead to kidney stones and other health concerns, especially if eating a lot of animal-based protein. Talk to your doctor for more information about the effects of eating too much protein.

Animal Proteins:
Animal-based protein helps reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and multiple types of cancer including colorectal, pancreatic, stomach and prostate. However, eating too much processed and unprocessed red meat has been linked to shorter life spans. Sources of animal-based protein include:
• Dairy products, Eggs
• Poultry
• Beef
• Pork

Plant-Based Proteins:
Plant-based protein provides plenty of nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants that can improve your overall health. Plant-based protein protects against heart disease, stroke, cancer, type 2 diabetes, depression and cognitive decline. Sources of plant-based protein include:
• Nuts and Seeds
• Whole grains such as quinoa or buckwheat
• Whole sources of soy such as tofu, edamame, and tempeh .
• Legumes such as beans, peas, and lentils
• Vegetables

Sources for this month’s newsletter: have been taken from: 1https://cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/association-between-deitary-protein-intake-and-therisk-ofdepressive-symptoms-in-adults/784617BD;https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/protein-intake-associated-with-less-cognitive-decline;hhttps://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-much-protein-you-need;https://www.webmd.com/diet/difference-

The Food and Thought Program works to promote awareness and provide short term counselling around the important link between nutrition and emotional health. For more information or for a referral to the program, please contact the Food and Thought Program

This work is supported by the Beverly and Addison Gilbert Hospital Community Benefits Community Grant Program and the Essex County Community Foundation Behavioral Health Partnership Grant.

Recent Posts

June 26, 2026
GLSS and Phoenix Food Hub are excited to announce this summer's Farmer's Market Coupon Distribution Day! FREE $25 Farmer’s Market Coupons will be distributed: When: Thursday, July 23, 2026 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Where: Phoenix Food Hub/Greater Lynn Senior Services 8 Silsbee Street, Lynn  Who: Must be 60 years or older, Lynn residents with low income . Please bring your ID. Limit one booklet per person. Booklets contain five $5 coupons. Coupons can be used at the Lynn Farmer's Market and at over 40 other markets and farm stands throughout the North Shore. Coupons will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you have questions about coupon distribution, please call Greater Lynn Senior Services at (781) 599-0110
Food and Thought newsletter page with article headlines and a fruit bowl photo
June 3, 2026
Learn about nutrition assistance & tips for healthy eating. Join us for classes & support to improve your diet today!
Food and Thought newsletter with green header and two article boxes about nutrition, plus a fruit photo on the right.
June 2, 2026
Learn about natural vs. added sugars & healthy eating tips. Join us for nutrition counseling & cooking classes!
A monthly newsletter titled
April 3, 2026
Mental Health Across the Lifespan: Nutritional Needs by Age
Newsletter with the title
February 26, 2026
Eat The Rainbow Choosing the right foods to focus on for healthy eating can be confusing. There are so many mixed messages and misinformation all around us. Sometimes having a “rule of thumb” can help. The phrase, “Eat The Rainbow” is a good one to remember! By focusing on eating brightly colored fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes. you will be feeding your body important nutrients for physical and mental wellness! That’s because different-colored plants are linked to higher levels of specific nutrients and health benefits. Foods that contain anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are especially good for brain and cognitive health. Red - Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant. May lower the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Orange and Yellow - Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant. Supports eye health, may help lower the risk of heart disease and cancer. Green - Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant. May lower the risk of cancer and heart disease. Blue and Purple - Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant. May help improve brain function. May help lower risk of heart disease, and certain cancers. Dark Red - Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant. May help support athletic performance through increased oxygen uptake. May help lower the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and certain cancers. Brown and White - Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant. May help lower risk of heart, colon cancer and other cancers. Whole Food Recipe of the Month: Rainbow Frittata Ingredients: Nonstick cooking spray ¼ cup 1/2-inch pieces sweet potato ¼ cup 1/2-inch pieces yellow pepper ¼ cup coarsely chopped fresh broccoli 8 omega-3 enriched eggs 1 teaspoon snipped fresh basil ½ teaspoon snipped fresh thyme ⅛ teaspoon salt ⅛ teaspoon cracked black pepper 1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and thinly sliced 5 ½ cups grape or cherry tomatoes, halved Sriracha sauce (optional) Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat an ovenproof 10-inch nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Add sweet potato, sweet pepper and broccoli; cook and stir over medium 5 to 7 minutes or until tender. 2. In a medium bowl whisk together eggs, basil, thyme, salt and black pepper. Pour mixture over vegetables in skillet. Cook, without stirring, until mixture begins to set on bottom and around edges. Using a spatula, lift egg mixture so uncooked portion flows underneath. 3. Transfer skillet to oven; cook 5 minutes or until egg mixture is set. Remove from oven. Let stand 2 minutes. Top servings with avocado and tomatoes. Drizzle with sriracha if using. https://www.eatingwell.com/gallery/12297/insta-worthy-rainbow-recipes/
Newsletter titled
February 10, 2026
Food and Mental Health: Eat Good, Feel Good Because our bodies and our brains require many different nutrients to function properly and to feel good, what we eat is critically important. There is a growing body of research studying the impact of diet on emotional health and wellbeing, and increasingly showing that what we eat can influence our moods, thoughts and emotional wellbeing—both positively and negatively. Below are just some of the ways that nutrients can impact our emotional health. Magnesium (beans, nuts, dark chocolate) Calms the nervous system, reduces anxiety and improves sleep. B vitamins (leafy greens, eggs, poultry) Crucial for maintaining mental energy, reducing brain fog and supporting mood regulation Iron (beans, spinach, red meat) Can improve focus, mental clarity and cognitive function, especially in individuals with ADHD Zinc (pumpkin seeds, seafood, eggs) Supports dopamine production and can enhance focus, motivation and hyperactivity — key areas often affected by ADHD Whole Food Recipe of the Month Perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack, this chia seed pudding with berries is a game-changer Chia Seed Pudding With Berries Ingredients · 1/4 cup chia seeds · 1 cup almond milk (or any milk you prefer) · 1 tbsp maple syrup (adjust to taste) · 1/2 tsp vanilla extract · 1/2 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen) Instructions · In a medium bowl, combine chia seeds, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well to avoid clumps. · Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then stir again. This prevents the chia seeds from settling at the bottom. · Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. The pudding will thicken as it chills. · Before serving, give the pudding a good stir. If it’s too thick, add a splash of almond milk to loosen it up. · Top with mixed berries right before eating for a fresh, juicy contrast to the creamy pudding. · Creamy with a slight crunch from the chia seeds, this pudding is a delight. Try layering it with granola for extra texture or drizzling with honey for added sweetness. Try These Winning Combinations Oats and bananas Turkey sandwich Provide carbohydrates and tryptophan, which help your brain produce serotonin. This supports steadier mood, better sleep and emotion regulation. Beans and bell peppers Spinach salad with clementine slices Vitamin C helps your body absorb more iron, which can boost energy and focus. Yogurt and bananas Combines probiotics and prebiotics to support gut health, digestion and mood. Salmon salad with chia seeds Egg and vegetable scramble Rich in omega-3s and choline, these nutrients support brain function, concentration and emotional balance.
Show More