Foods that reduce stress

Eat these foods to combat stress

There are certainly moments throughout the day that can leave you feeling frazzled and under pressure. Food is linked to so many processes and feelings that we have, and it is also linked to stress. One of the side effects that people have from stress is reaching for food. However, this isn’t always the right types of food and it’s usually junk which makes us gain weight. Here are our top stress-reducing foods.

Almonds

One way to beat stress is to crunch on some nuts. Studies have found that almonds reduce the stress compounds in your blood as they are full of anti-oxidants, which also helps to repair the cells that have been damaged due to stress. The vitamin E which is also present in them will give your immune system a boost.

Apricots

Not only are they a tasty and healthy snack, but dried apricots contain plenty of magnesium which helps to relieve the tension in your muscles by helping them to relax. The body uses a lot of magnesium when you are stressed so make sure you keep the levels topped up.

Asparagus

These thin green stalks contain plenty of folic acid which is very important when it comes to stress relief as it helps to steady our weary nerves. It also helps to level out our mood as it helps to produce serotonin the ‘feel good hormone’.

Blueberries

These little berries are well known for their high levels of anti-oxidants which is great at for repairing the damage cause to cells. They are a good source of vitamin C which gives the immune system a vital boost so you don’t become ill. It can also help to lower cortisol, the stress hormone.

Fish

Some tuna or salmon will help to reduce cortisol which surges when we are stressed due to the omega-3 fatty acids that it contains. These omega-3s help with brain and heart function which a person needs to be efficiently working when they’re stressed. It also helps to produce a hormone that fights stress, called prostaglandin.

  

Natural yogurt

Natural yogurt helps to keep you blood sugar levels even, as they will spike when you are stressed and this is thanks to the protein. The calcium will also help to protect your nerve endings, essential for beating stressed.

Foods that increase stress include:

Coffee, tea, fizzy drinks, alcohol, and saturated fats such as those found in fast foods.