Blood oranges help to alleviate seasonal blues

Sunkist blood oranges contain up to 130 per cent in vitamin C content. By Brianna Lehman (Flickr: 11/365) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

In addition to a healthy diet comprised of leafy greens and lean meats, a recent article in the Toronto Star indicated that the high percentage of citrus in blood oranges will help to fend off the winter blues.

Shifts in weather can affect many people in different ways. During winter times, many Canadians find themselves suffering from a type of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is brought on by the lack of sunlight during the winter months.

According to Health Canada, five per cent of adult Canadians suffer from depression annually, whereas eight per cent of adult Canadians will have suffered from depression or anxiety at some point in their life.

Humber student counsellor Rose Anthony told Humber News “Typically, students that struggle with SAD will find that their mood diminishes quite a lot during the winter months.”

Anthony said feelings of depression typically last until the winter season ends and the weather improves.

Counselling services at Humber helps students with symptoms of depression and SAD by hashing out feelings, or seeking additional resources off-campus, such as a family physician for coping strategies, Anthony said.

According to the Star report, representatives of Sunkist said “one orange contains up to 130 per cent of the recommended daily amount of Vitamin C.”

In addition to eating healthy foods such as blood oranges, personal trainer Vince Lucente said just basic physical exercising, such as going for walks and résistance training are great assets to the body that also affect mental health and wellness in a positive way.

Lucente said exercising between two and four times a week, or 150 minutes a week, is a good way to remain in high spirits. “The release of endorphins through cardiovascular exercise is something that really helps you out, helps you get feeling nice and happy.”