Dealing with stress is difficult, but here are 10 healthy foods that destroy stress. These foods can be included in your daily diet and deal with both stress and other concerns, like heart health.
Healthy foods that help when you are stressed are a great piece of knowledge to keep track of, since they help with multiple things and help you deal with stressful events in life at the same time.
Oranges
The Vitamin C in oranges helps the body function more effectively, including the immune system. Studies show it also decreases the amount of cortisol released for a stressful situation, leaving you less stressed. So keep an orange handy to eat before an important business meeting. The smell can also be calming.
Mangoes
Mangoes are also a good source of Vitamin C. They help increase brain function and prevent issues with your vision. The antioxidants in mangoes mean they are good for your heart and help your skin. The inclusion of mangoes in your diet is good on several fronts, which can be another stress reducer, if you are worrying about issues like skin elasticity and heart health.
Fish
There are Omega-3 fatty acids in fish, particularly salmon and tuna, that help increase the serotonin levels in your body. This helps with depression and heart disease. It also means lower anxiety levels.
Dark Chocolate
Studies in Switzerland found that people who consistently eat dark chocolate have lower levels of cortisol in their blood. This is an additional benefit, beyond the known fact that endorphins are released when you sate a chocolate craving.
Raw Vegetables
Raw vegetables contain vitamins and nutrients that help improve your overall health. Meanwhile, chewing these vegetables burns calories and reduces your level of tension through movement of the jaw muscles – where the tension often gets stored.
Pistachios
There are more Omega-3 fatty acids to be found in pistachios, which help lower cholesterol and decrease the inflammation in your arteries, on top of helping with stress.
Whole Grains
Oatmeal is a good choice when reaching for whole grains. Oatmeal helps lower blood pressure and makes you feel full longer because it takes longer to digest. Complex carbs like whole grains also release serotonin into the body, improving your mood.
Beef
Zinc, Iron and Vitamin B all contribute to a better mood. All of these can be found in red meat like beef. Therefore, eat beef for dinner and see some of your stress melt away.
Spinach
Spinach contains magnesium, which fights the tired feeling and headaches that come from stress. It also has fiber, which helps your body’s natural energy levels recharge.
Asparagus
Asparagus contains folate, which helps you remain calm in high-stress situations. It tastes good steamed, added to a salad or broiled. There are numerous recipes that can be used for asparagus.
These 10 foods should be part of your diet anyway, so here is some extra incentive to add one or two on a day you know you’ll be dealing with higher stress levels.
Source: sheknows.com
