Stress is all around us and no matter how much we struggle to protect ourselves, there is no man who hasn’t fallen under his influence. We all know that it affects health negatively and is often the cause of many diseases.
Thus, is good to know a few ways we can reduce or even drop stress on a daily basis, and see benefits in the long run.
If you are often stressed, instead of reaching foods that will harm your health and your line, (yes we mean junk food and you know it) use the food to your advantage and make the smarter choice.
Table of Contents
Here is a list of food that will help you reduce the level of stress.
Milk
In addition to vitamins B12 and B2, the milk contains many antioxidants that destroy free radicals that are associated with stress.
Milk and milk products relax and give energy. They are rich in protein and calcium and improve the health of bones and muscles. Calcium can act as an anxiety remedy and helps restore calm, and also reduces tension in muscles. Milk proteins help stabilize blood pressure.
Ladies, even your PMS symptoms like mood swings, irritability and anxiety can be relieved with a glass of milk. No harm in trying it, enjoy a nice glass of milk in “those” days.
Blueberries
Do not avoid these little blue colored berries if you want to lead a healthy life. They are rich in vitamin C, which helps the body deal with stress.
Blueberries contain a lot of fiber that regulates the level of blood pressure and relieve cramps and constipation that occur as a result of stress.
An additional plus is that they are low-calorie.
Almonds
Mmm … almonds these delicious seeds are a great ally in the fight against stress. They contain vitamin B2, vitamin E, magnesium and zinc. Magnesium and vitamin B2 stimulates the production of serotonin (the hormone of happiness), which regulates mood and reduces stress.
It is known that zinc relieves the negative effects of stress, while vitamin E is a super antioxidant that destroys free radicals related to stress and heart disease.
But if you are not fond of almonds, replace them with pistachios or walnuts. They help regulate heart rate and blood pressure.
The bad side of the nuts is that they are high-calorie, so do not overdo it in their consumption.
Avocado
Avocado is one of the best ways to reduce blood pressure because it contains a lot of potassium. In fact, half an avocado contains more potassium than a banana.
The avocados also have vitamin E and monosate fats, which will fit perfectly into your efforts to relieve stress.
Orange
Stress reduces the level of vitamin C in the body, a vitamin that is not produced in the body and which you need to intake through diet. Vitamin C improves immunity and makes the body more resistant in periods of stress. Also, normalizes the level of the stress hormone – cortisol.
When you are under stress, the body emits more free radicals than usual. Vitamin C helps maintain the level of free radicals and relieve damage to the body.
Fish
Salmon and other oily fish, such as herring and mackerel, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain the level of cortisol and adrenaline.
Omega-3 fatty acids are also known for protecting against heart disease.
Most fish species are rich in vitamins B6 and B12. Vitamin B12 is one of the most important vitamins for the production of serotonin, the substance of happiness. The deficiency of vitamin B12 can lead to depression.
Try consuming fish twice a week and apart from your body, your mental health will improve.
Spinach
Spinach is an excellent source of magnesium, and this mineral reduces the level of stress and keeps the body in a relaxed state.
Deficiency of magnesium leads to headaches and fatigue, so if you do not want to feel the negative effect of these nasty phenomena that increase the level of stress, include spinach in your daily menu.
Oats
Consuming carbohydrates helps the formation of serotonin and when carbohydrates are absorbed slowly, the level of serotonin is stable.
Oatmeal is rich in fiber, which slows down the release of carbohydrates. This leads to a longer production of serotonin.
Healthy snacks and meals can help you through these stressful days. And it’s a tasty challenge to try.