Everyone, at one point or another, have felt stressed and anxious. Stress and anxiety can be challenging to deal with specially if we are not aware of what could be a possible remedy to these conditions.
Fortunately, eating certain foods can help reduce stress and anxiety. No wonder we why get a calming effect when we eat certain foods.
Here are 10 Foods That Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety
1. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate have been the go to food most people love to eat when they feel stressed. It is probably because of it’s calming effect. The Journal of Psychopharmacology published a randomized, placebo-controlled trial and the results showed that people who drank a dark chocolate drink daily, equivalent to 1.5 ounces of dark chocolate, felt calmer than people who didn’t.
2. Almonds
Almonds can provide relief from stress as it is rich in Vitamins B2 and E. These nutrients helps boost the immune system during stress. You may also want to put almond butter on bread to help relieve stress.
3. Milk
Consuming milk before bedtime is not only recommended, but it has been proven to provide remedy for insomnia and anxiety. Milk contains antioxidants, Vitamins B2 and B12, and is also rich in protein and calcium. Milk has the protein lactium which a calming effect by decreasing blood pressure. Moreover, potassium in milk can also help relieve muscle spasms when we feel tense.
3. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is a natural medicine which provides a natural calming effect to someone who has anxiety. In fact, a study revealed that consuming chamomile tea can dramatically increase anxiety symptoms in just a few weeks consumption.
4. Avocados
Avocado is a superfruit for a good reason, and that is because avocados are great for brain health and anxiety. Avocados contain potassium which helps lower blood pressure. It also has B vitamins and monounsaturated fats that are essential brain health.
5. Blueberries
Blueberries are not only great as snacks or desserts but they are also packed with antioxidants and Vitamin C which helps combat stress. Not only is it a good stress-buster, Vitamin C and the antioxidants that blueberries contain help repair and protect our cells.
6. Oranges
Oranges is another favorite go-to fruit by many people. It can be great as a snack or as a juice. What makes oranges great is that it is high in Vitamin C which helps lower blood pressure. This vitamin also helps lower the stress hormone cortisol. Feeling stressed? Eat your citrus.
7.Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are rich in magnesium which can help make us calm because it can regulate cortisol levels and promote feelings of wellbeing. Spinach, an example of a leafy green, is considered a comfort food.
8. Fatty Meat
Have you ever binged on fatty meat when you were anxious? It maybe because you feel more calm after you eat it. Omega-3 fatty acids in fatty meat has been shown to lower anxiety. No wonder people who are feel anxious love to eat burger and steaks.
9. Salmon
Salmon also has Omega-3 Fatty Acids which help relieve stress. It is considered the one of the best sources of Omega-3 and has also been proven to protect the heart when our stress hormones are surging.
10. Oatmeal
Oatmeal helps combat stress anxiety as is helps keep the serotonin hormone flowing. Serotonin is a calm inducing hormone which helps maintain mood balance and contributes to wellbeing and happiness.
Sources: Mind Body Green, Men’s Health
