| |
Research has revealed thаt eating particular foods relieve stress by maintaining certain chemical balances іn thе brain. Foods rich іn vitamins ѕuсh аѕ vitamin B-complex, vitamin C, аnd vitamin E help іn soothing stressed-оut nerves, while minerals ѕuсh аѕ magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iron аlѕо prepare thе body tо tackle stress іn а better way.
Five foods that help combat stress:
Spinach
- Spinach is full of B vitamins such as folate, minerals such as magnesium and iron, and some much-needed fiber.
- Eat spinach raw for maximum vitamin and mineral content. Spinach is easy to prepare as a salad for your lunch. Just add your favorite salad dressing, and you have a healthy, tasty food that is recognized for its stress-relieving properties.
- Studies have shown that folate, found in spinach, can help improve mood and the effects of stress.
- The magnesium in spinach can replenish your body's stores, resulting in less stress related headaches and fatigue.
Almonds
- Almonds are an excellent snack while working. They're a good source of B vitamins, which helps your body to increase its natural production of serotonin. Serotonin is a 'feel-good' brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that is known for regulating moods, appetite, and other processes in your body.
- Even though almonds are high in fat, it is the heart-healthy, mono-unsaturated type. This heart-healthy fat may help lower unhealthy LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol, and increase healthy HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol.
- Almonds also contain Vitamin E, an important vitamin for fighting illnesses that can be triggered by stress.
Sweet potatoes
- Sweet potatoes are so high in fiber, beta-carotene and other vitamins, and minerals such as iron, calcium, and potassium, that they have the highest nutritional content for all vegetables.
- Sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index, meaning that they do not cause spikes in your blood glucose levels. In other words, glucose is released slowly into your bloodstream after you eat them. Keeping blood sugar levels steady, is key in prevention of irritability that can occur when stressed.
- Sweet potatoes are a healthy food option, as they satisfy your cravings for carbohydrates and sweets that often occur during times of stress.
Salmon
- Fatty fishes are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
- The only way your body gets omega 3's is by eating those foods that contain them.
- Omega-3s are known to prevent your stress hormones (cortisol and adrenaline) from peaking and invoking stress responses.
Tea
- Both black and green teas have been shown to reduce stress by promoting relaxation in individuals who drink them.
- The act of brewing the tea itself can reduce stress, if you associate the brewing with your relaxation time.
- Green tea, in particular, contains an amino acid (l-theanine) that promotes mental and physical relaxation.
Don’t forget to eat fruit and vegetables high іn vitamin C. These counter thе effects оf stress оn thе body bу bringing blood pressure аnd cortisol levels tо normal in times of high stress. Yоu could include oranges, grapes, pineapple, mango, kiwifruit, blueberries, and avocado, as well as vegetables ѕuсh аѕ broccoli, cabbage, kale, turnip, asparagus, carrots, and green beans іn уоur diet.
Sometimes though, it’s just more convenient to take a supplement. Discover the key supplements you need to take in our guide: '25 Great Ways to Reduce Stress', which is included in our Expert-Help Pack: How to Crush Stress... Completely! Professional guidance to get you back to yourself again.
|
|
