Stress Busters are not limited to doing things that take your mind off the preoccupation. It also extends to food. Certain foods are known to come fortified with chemicals that foster the “happy hormones” while lowering the levels of depression and anxiety triggering hormones. Remember, these are all physiological workings, and monitoring the food intake will make a difference.
Among the top stress-busting foods:
Dark Chocolate
Rich in antioxidants, it helps reduce stress by lowering the levels of stress hormones in the body. A 40g of dark chocolate can help you lower blood pressure and improve circulation. Eating a bar can reduce cortisol levels associated with elevated stress. But, make sure the bar doesn’t contain an unnecessary amount of added sugar in it.
Green Tea
An everyday cup of green tea has a natural L-Theanine content of about 25 mg. Theanine is a particular type of amino acid found in green tea that plays a vital role in stress reduction. A great alternative to coffee and does not lead to caffeine-induced jitters. A study found that psychological stress levels were 20% lower in those who drank at least 5 cups of green tea daily than those who drank less than one cup per day.
Milk
Fortified milk, an excellent source of Vitamin D, is considered an ingredient to boost happiness. According to a study, a lower level of Vitamin D causes an increased risk of panic and depression. People with adequate levels of vitamin D had a reduced risk of panic disorders compared to those with lower levels of Vitamin D.
Yogurt
A study indicated that consuming probiotics in yogurt reduced brain activity in areas that handle emotion, including stress. Since yogurt is full of calcium and protein in addition to probiotics, it can be healthily added to the diet.
Turmeric
The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps lower anxiety by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress that people usually experience in mood disorders like depression and anxiety. Since it has minimal flavor, it goes well in smoothies, curries, and casserole dishes.
Avocados
Besides being an excellent addition to salads, 100g of avocados contain 111 mg of Omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Both are essential for anti-inflammatory actions that help relieve depression. A bit of guacamole made from avocado is a good choice for stress relief when craving a high-fat treat. However, avocados are high in fat and calories, so watch while eating. Getting enough potassium is one of the best ways to reduce high blood pressure.
Nuts
Nuts like cashews, walnuts, and almonds make a perfect snack but are also suitable for stress- relief. Cashews are an excellent source of zinc, an essential mineral that helps with anxiety symptoms. Further, zinc also plays a crucial role in brain functioning. Almonds are rich in vitamin E to bolster the immune system and B vitamins. Bountiful in magnesium, almonds help relieve unwanted stress and uplift mood. Walnuts are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce cortisol and stress levels.
Garlic
A perfect way to reduce stress, garlic is rich in antioxidants, and a compound called glutathione, which is helpful in defense against stress. Regularly eating garlic can lower stress and anxiety levels in the long run. Plus, adding garlic to a salad bowl makes it a healthy meal.
Fruits
Oranges, a great source of stress reduction, are rich in Vitamin C, which helps improve mood and energy levels. Also helpful in curbing levels of stress hormones while strengthening the immune system. Mangoes, a beneficial fruit and a stress buster, contains vitamin B9, a crucial ingredient for tension management. Blueberries are a powerful source of Vitamin C, essential in reducing stress and anxiety.
Matcha Powder
This energetic tea powder is known for being rich in L-Theanine, a non-protein amino acid with stress-relieving substantial effects. Matcha powder can be consumed for stress relief in various forms, such as tea leaves or tea bags, generally used in water or milk.
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