Top 10 Best Foods For Stress Relief - MOOD AND FOOD CONNECTION
Stress is a common problem for
many people. It is a disorder characterized by constant worry and nervousness,
and it is sometimes related to poor brain health. There are certain foods you
can eat that have properties to boost your brain and may help you to lower the severity of your stress symptoms. Whenever we are in stress, we usually
turn to food. We tend to over-eat foods that are high in carbs, fats, and have no nutrition value. This can result in obesity issues, depression, anxiety problems, and lead to more stressful situations. So if you are choosing the wrong
kind of foods, then that can be responsible for your poor mental health.
Now, let us check out some foods, which will help you to de-stress
your mind and uplift your mood.
1.
Water intake:
Water is a super nutrient, and we
need to keep ourselves well hydrated. If our cells are not getting enough
water, then this can lead to stress, as stress and dehydration are both
interconnected. Therefore, we need to consume a good quantity of water to avoid
stressful situations. Make sure to consume 2.5 to three liters of water regularly.
2.
Berries:
Berries are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin
C helps in regulating cortisol levels. Cortisol is the stress hormone. So if
the cortisol levels are high, then it means stress is high. According to a study conducted at
the University of Maryland, large doses of vitamin C have been proven to reduce
both mental and physical responses to stress. Berries help in reducing some physical
and psychological effects of stress. So whenever you feel stress, make sure to
grab some berries like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries,
any that you like. One cup of strawberries will give you more than 100%
of your daily-recommended amount of vitamin C studies have found that vitamin C
reduced anxiety and levels of cortisol the stress hormone in your body. Blueberries
are very rich in antioxidants. Blueberries are a high fiber, low-calorie fruit
that is also rich in stress-fighting vitamin C.
3.
Avocados:
It is a delicious superfood rich in
potassium, predominantly full of heart-healthy fats, which can boost your mood
and help you to lower your blood pressure levels. You can have this nutritional powerhouse in your meals and you can combat your stress levels.
4.
Chamomile Tea:
Chamomile Tea has some relaxing and soothing
properties. It also has some sleep-inducing effects; along with reducing your
stress levels. Chamomile is safe. It is a herb. It has many
health benefits. The chamomile herb helps to reduce anxiety. It contains
high amounts of antioxidants proven to reduce inflammation, which might
decrease the risk of stress. The best time to take this tea is
before bedtime. So you can have a cup of chamomile tea 30 minutes before your
bedtime. This will help you to bring down your whole day's stress and give you
a good night's sleep.
5.
Green leafy vegetables:
Try to include green leafy vegetables daily in
your diet. Leafy green vegetables contain a lot of magnesium. Magnesium is an
important mineral that has the power to relax muscles too. Leafy vegetables can
help you to regulate your mood, cleanse your blood, balance your pH levels, and
boost immunity.
6.
Dark chocolates:
Dark chocolates helping to release some mood-boosting chemicals in your blood. It can improve your mood by
reducing some symptoms of depression. Dark Chocolate contains flavonols, which are
antioxidants that may benefit brain function. Dark Chocolate may be helpful for
improving anxiety due to its stress-reducing antioxidants and the ability to
increase serotonin levels. But do
try to take caution while consuming chocolates. It is okay to indulge in
chocolate in small amounts.
You can have one to two squares
of dark chocolates as snacks to stay healthy and energized.
7.
Oats:
Oatmeal is the best breakfast
option to have. Taking oatmeal daily can help to release some feel-good
hormones in your body like serotonin, which makes you feel calm and relaxed. This
is why it is essential to include healthy carbohydrates present in oat in your
regular diet. So do try to include oats in your diet daily.
8.
Nuts:
Nuts have healthy fats presenting
dry fruits and nuts help you to balance your mood and prevent anxiety and
depression. So do not forget to include a handful of walnuts, almonds daily in
your diet.
9.
Milk:
Milk is high
in antioxidants and also contains some unique nutrients that help to destroy radicals associated with stress. Milk contains vitamin B2, B12 as well as
protein and calcium. The protein
in milk helps to reduce anxiety while calcium helps with muscle relaxation. This
is a reason why milk is sometimes referred to as a wind-down food.
10. Banana:
Bananas are rich in vitamin B9 or folic acid
that is capable to fight depression by releasing serotonin (the happiness
hormone). Bananas contain a neurotransmitter
called norepinephrine that regulates stress
levels. Banana is also a very rich source of potassium. Potassium regulates your
metabolic rate, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Eating the banana will help you to stay calm in a natural way.
Now let us check out the foods, which can trigger your stress.
a)
Avoid junk foods fast foods and sodas: Processed foods are high in
artificial colors, sugars, flavors, additives, and preservatives that are
hazardous for human health.
b)
Tea and coffee: Tea and coffee contain caffeine in it, taking
high intake of caffeine in our diet can result in the release of stress hormones
like cortisol, and it can lead to rapid heartbeat and increased blood pressure
levels.
c)
Alcohol: Alcohol is a deadly cause of stress. It may help you to
deal with stress in the short term, but then longer it will make you feel more
anxious and depressed and make your stress more worst.
You are what you eat. So make sure you are making the right choices
to live a stress-free life. Share these food facts with your friends and family
to help them live a stress-free life.
CLICK TO KNOW MORE...
Bananas are rich in vitamin B9 or folic acid
that is capable to fight depression by releasing serotonin (the happiness
hormone). Bananas contain a neurotransmitter
called norepinephrine that regulates stress
levels. Banana is also a very rich source of potassium. Potassium regulates your
metabolic rate, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Eating the banana will help you to stay calm in a natural way.
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