Certain foods that can effectively reduce stress. Some help stabilize blood sugar levels, while others help improve mood. Here are 7 foods that can reduce stress and their function.
Green vegetables
Green vegetables like spinach contain folate, which produces dopamine, a brain-pleasing chemical that helps you stay calm, Heather Mangieri, a nutritionist at the Institute of Nutrition, told Health magazine. A study in the Journal of Affected Disorders conducted on 2,800 middle-aged and elderly people showed that people who consume as much folate are less likely to suffer from depression.
Yogurt
You may not know that bacteria in the intestines can contribute to stress. Research has shown that the brain and intestines communicate through chemicals in the body, which is why stress can cause digestive problems. A UCLA study on 36 healthy women found that consuming probiotics in yogurt reduces brain activity in areas that handle emotions, including stress.
Viet kumquat
When you are nervous, it means there is a battle going on inside you, Mangieri said. Antioxidants and phytonutrients in fighting berries help protect you, helping to improve your bodys response to stress. The study also shows that eating blueberries helps increase natural causes of disease a type of white blood cell that plays an important role in immunity, which is essential for fighting stress, according to Cynthia Sass, nutritionist of Health.
Dark chocolate
Research has shown that dark chocolate can reduce stress hormones, says Sass. In addition, the antioxidants in cocoa stimulate your blood vessel walls to relax, lower blood pressure and improve circulation.
Eggs
Whole eggs are a natural source of vitamin D, which has good immune, anti-inflammatory and mood-regulating functions, including reducing symptoms of depression.
Nutritionist Keri Gans explains that eggs also contain acetylcholine, a chemical with neurotransmitter function in the brain, which can affect the ability to regulate mood, making it easier for you to control stress levels.
Seaweed
The ocean is rich in iodine and is one of the few sources of this important mineral, Sass explained. Too little iodine can cause fatigue and depression, but just a quarter of a cup of seaweed salad can provide more than 275% of your daily value.
Chamomile tea
Replacing a glass of wine with a cup of chamomile tea before bed will help you relax and have a great night's sleep. Romein chamomile has been shown to help increase sleep, including promoting relaxation and sleepiness, while improving sleep quality, says Sass. Getting enough sleep is an important stress reliever and helps optimize immune function, which can be weakened by stress.
