Feeling stressful? Why not take a bite of the following food to reduce your stress?
1. Almonds
Almonds contain lots of vitamin B2, vitamin E, magnesium and zinc. The magnesium and B2 help prompt production of serotonin, the brain chemical known to improve mood, promote relaxation and sleep. Almonds contain heart-healthy fat, but unfortunately, they’re not calorie-free so don’t go crazy with the crunching-and-calming chemistry. If you don't like almonds, you can go for walnuts or pistachios for soothing effects!
2. Chicken
You’ll get more tryptophan from a chicken breast than from the Thanksgiving turkey. This amino acid is converted in the brain to serotonin, which in turn counters stress naturally so you can sleep better (no tossing and turning as you battle whatever is stressing you out).
3. Black Tea
A study published in 2007 showed that drinking four cups of black tea per day for at least six weeks decreased cortisol levels (hormone released when stress). And a new study from Australia showed that drinking three cups of black tea per day can lower blood pressure by two or three points, not a lot but enough to reduce the risks of heart attack and stroke posed by high blood pressure by seven to 10 percent population-wide, according to the researchers. There’s no doubt that stress is related to high blood pressure and that diffusing stress can help lower blood pressure.
4. Bananas
Great source of potassium, the mineral essential to regulation of blood pressure (which can soar when you’re stressed), bananas also give you more of the manganese and vitamin B6 found in almonds and needed to prod serotonin production.
5. Blueberries
Rich in vitamin C, that have antioxidant effects to battle with oxidative stresses!
6. Salmon
It contains omega 3 fatty acids that helps to dial down tensi0n
7. Broccoli
It contains vitamin B, particulary folic acid, that help to reduce stress
8. Carbohydrates
Stick to whole-grains bread, cereals and pasta. These whole-grain food can optimize the production of serotonin that calm neurotransmitter
9. Chocolate
Studies shown that eating about an ounce and a half of dark chocolate daily for two weeks reduced stress hormone levels in the bodies of volunteers who described themselves as highly tense
Source: Lisa Collier Coolhttp://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/best-foods-reduce-stress
Totally agree with eating chocolate to relieve stress! It works out perfectly for me.
ReplyDeleteOn that note, I think that most of us would actually prefer 'sinful' comfort food, like those high in sugar or fat content as it gives a pleasurable effect. While its perfectly fine to indulge in it occasionally, I do believe that we also need to look for healthier alternatives to relieve stress.
My healthier way to relieve stress is by drinking ginseng tea! It keeps me awake too (although I dunno why!)
Salmon is also a brain food as it is rich in omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA which are both essential for brain growth and function, says Andrea Giancoli, MPH, RD, a Los Angeles nutritionist and ADA spokeswoman. (source: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/slideshow_pictures_top_10_brain_foods_for_children/article_em.htm)
ReplyDeleteIn fact, recent research has also shown that people who get more of these fatty acids in their diet have sharper minds and do better at mental skills tests.
Higher dietary omega 3 fatty acids are linked to lower dementia and stroke risks; slower mental decline; and may play a vital role in enhancing memory, especially as we get older. For brain and heart health, eat two servings of salmon weekly.