Stress Reducing Foods

 Numerous foods contain nutrients that may help you reduce stress.

We should try to incorporate some of foods and beverages into our diet to naturally promote stress relief

If you’re feeling stressed, it’s only natural to seek relief.

While occasional bouts of stress are difficult to avoid, chronic stress can take a serious toll on your physical and emotional health. In fact, it may increase your risk of conditions like heart disease and depression. Unhealthy eating patterns can send stress levels skyrocketing and potentially increase your risk of health problems in the future if you don’t address them. Stress can directly manifest in damaging effects on the body, and indirectly augment health problems. Additionally, there are many harmful physiological changes due to chronic stress.

Interestingly, certain foods and beverages may have stress-relieving qualities. Below mentioned such foods helps to reduce stress .

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate in the diet can reduce stress in two ways — via its chemical impact and its emotional impact. Chocolate feels like such an indulgence that it can be a real treat to simply 

savor a piece of it, and that feeling alone can help to reduce stress

Fish 

Fight stress and help prevent heart disease by adding seafood to your plate. Fatty fish in particular are a great option because they’re heart-healthy, and their omega-3s may help ease depression because the nutrients easily interact with mood-related brain molecules

Warm Milk

Sipping warm milk before bed is a centuries-old home remedy for getting a better night’s sleep. According to SleepAdvisor.org, warm milk can have a relaxing effect on the body as well as on a psychological level. For people who grew up drinking warm milk before bed, the routine can signal that it’s time to go to sleep, for example. Also, the act of sipping a warm beverage curled up on the couch is innately relaxing.

Mint

Mint is commonly used to relieve stress and induce calmness. Peppermint oil’s relaxation-promoting properties on gastrointestinal (GI) tissue and its analgesic and anesthetic effects have been found in past studies. However, individuals suffering from GI reflux, hiatal hernia, or kidney stones should practice caution when using peppermint oil therapy.

Nuts

Nuts are full of nutrients, including B vitamins, along with healthy fatty acids. Meyerowitz says B vitamins are an important part of a healthy diet and can help reduce stress. Almonds, pistachios, and walnuts may even help lower blood pressure levels. According to a past study, pistachios in particular can have a role in reducing stress levels. Just remember to limit servings to just a handful a day to avoid excess calories.

Citrus Fruits

Some studies have found that high levels of vitamin C may help ease stress levels. Eating fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and strawberries is a good place to start. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that boosts your immune system. Have an orange in the afternoon for a calming and nourishing snack.

Sweet Potatoes and Carrots

Root vegetables are a good source of fiber and carbohydrates, which can help to boost serotonin production. Plus, because they are subtly sweet, they can offset cravings for sugar. Sweet potatoes and carrots are also a great source of vitamins and minerals that are good for your blood pressure and your heart. Have a handful of baby carrots with some almond butter in the afternoon or a sweet potato with dinner a couple of times a week.

Oatmeal

The complex carbohydrates in oatmeal help to boost serotonin production. Plus, oats have a lot of calming magnesium as well as potassium, which has been shown to help lower blood pressure. Have a bowl for breakfast with some walnuts and cashews, as well as some cinnamon to help stabilize your blood sugar, and you will on your way to a more tranquil day.

Spinach

This leafy vegetable is great source of magnesium, a mineral that helps promote a sense of calm. Spinach, which is a great source of fiber, also helps boost your energy levels.