Did you know that eating the right food can help you fight stress and depression? Apart from a pleasant taste, these healthy foods offer essential nutrients and therapeutic properties that can enhance an overall well-being. Check out these 11 foods that can help alleviate your stress!
1. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolates have essential anti-oxidants that help lower blood pressure and create a calming effect. They are also known to lower the levels of stress hormones and release the mood-enhancing neurotransmitter serotonin.
2. Fatty Fish
Naturally fatty fish such as salmon and tuna contain Omega-3 fatty acids that check the levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. In addition to the nutritional value, the fish promotes a sense of well-being.
3. Whole Grain Carbohydrates
Whole grain or complex carbohydrates help release steady levels of serotonin, the feel-good hormone. Foods such as whole-grain bread, pasta and oatmeal cereals are a great source of complex carbohydrates.
4. Walnuts
With pleasant flavor and healthy fats, walnuts are an excellent source of stress relieving food. It also helps boost your immune system and keep in good health.
5. Oranges
Oranges are special for their vitamin C content that has a range of influence on your body. Vitamin C found in oranges and other citrus fruits strengthen your immune system while lowering levels of stress hormones.
6. Carrots
A few crunchy bites of nutrient and fiber rich, fresh carrots can prove to be a popular mood enhancer without adding too many calories.
7. Tea
Black tea offers faster recovery after a stressful day. Green tea and chamomile tea are also effective stress-reducing drink.
8. Almonds
Almonds are rich in essential vitamins such as vitamin E and B vitamins. These have a therapeutic effect on the mind and the body that help beat the blues.
9. Milk
Milk offers a healthy combination of protein, vitamins and calcium that energizes your muscles and reduce mood swings. A glass of low-fat or skimmed milk at bedtime promotes a restful sleep.
11. Cashews
Cashews are a tasty source of healthy fats and zinc and can provide an overall positive mood. Moreover, low level of zinc has been linked to anxiety and depression, which makes cashews potent for reducing stress.
12. Green Leafy Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables, including spinach contain healthy amounts of magnesium and zinc. These help regulate mood influencing chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine.