9 Foods That Reduce Stress Levels
http://www.marieclaire.com/health-fitness/advice/reduce-stress-foods?click=mar-more
Reach for these items next time you're feeling under
pressure, under the weather, or just too close to that breaking point. Munching
on these stress-free foods will help pull you back into the game.
Oranges
A German study in
Psychopharmacology found that vitamin C helps reduce stress and return blood
pressure and cortisol to normal levels after a stressful situation. Vitamin C
is also well-known for boosting your immune system.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes can be
particularly stress-reducing because they can satisfy the urge you get for
carbohydrates and sweets when you are under a great deal of stress. They are
packed full of beta-carotene and other vitamins, and the fiber helps your body
to process the carbohydrates in a slow and steady manner.
Dried Apricots
Apricots are rich in
magnesium, which is a stress-buster and a natural muscle relaxant as well.
Almonds, Pistachios & Walnuts
Almonds are packed
with B and E vitamins, which help boost your immune system, and walnuts and
pistachios help lower blood pressure.
Turkey
Turkey contains
an amino acid called L-tryptophan. This amino acid triggers the release of
serotonin, which is a feel-good brain chemical. This is the reason why many
people who eat turkey feel relaxed, or even tired, after eating it.
L-Tryptophan has a documented calming effect.
Spinach
A deficiency in magnesium can cause migraine headaches and a
feeling of fatigue. One cup of spinach provides 40 percent of your daily needs
for magnesium.
Salmon
Diets high in omega-3
fatty acids protect against heart disease. A study from Diabetes &
Metabolism found that omega-3s keep the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline
from peaking.
Avocados
The monounsaturated
fats and potassium in avocados help lower blood pressure. The National Heart,
Lung, and Blood Institute says that one of the best ways to lower blood
pressure is to consume enough potassium (avocados have more than bananas).
Green Vegetables
Broccoli, kale, and
other dark green vegetables are powerhouses of vitamins that help replenish our
bodies in times of stress.
More stress-busting tips:
- Exercise reguarly
- Drink an energy shake for breakfast
- Eat small meals throughout the day, which will keep your
blood sugar stable (when blood sugar is low, mental, physical, and emotional
energy decreases, and stress increases).