7 Foods That Reduce Stress

This year people are beginning new resolutions and personal goals. While some may be considering losing those extra 15 pounds, eating healthier, or making better decisions, we are all faced with the challenges of bettering ourselves while also keeping up with others around us. Let’s face it: life can be stressful, no matter how much we are enjoying it! So in an effort to do all of the above and remain stress-free (or generally lower our stress levels) here are some essential foods that will not only be good for your body in terms of nutrients, but also help reduce stress on a daily basis.

7 Foods That Reduce Stress

Asparagus

Though asparagus has the tendency to make a funny odor in your urine, they are low in calories and high in folate and vitamin B, which are both essential in the creation of serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical that is directly correlated with affecting your mood in a positive way.

Fruit

These are naturally good for you because of all the vitamins they contain but fruits that are especially high in vitamin C are even better. Vitamin C combats stress and this antioxidant fights the free radicals that are released when you’re stressed. A recent study conducted using 120 participants showed that those who were given vitamin C had lower blood pressure and cortisol levels after having a stress test administered. Fruits like berries (strawberries, raspberries ,blueberries  and blackberries) contain extremely high levels of antioxidants, which have been seen to sharpen one’s cognition.

Avocados

Because of the center seed, avocados are considered to be a fruit. However, due to its fat content avocados should be eaten in moderation. They are a great source of vitamin E, lutein, and folate. Avocados are made up of monounsaturated fats and are rich in potassium (it has more than bananas), which aids in lowering blood pressure along with stress.

Tea

In general, tea is beneficial in all its forms. Getting in the habit of drinking tea, even just a cup a day, would only be in the favor of your health. In particular, chamomile tea has not only been proven to promote sleep but also to dramatically reduce anxiety, according to a study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania. Green tea contains caffeine but it also has the amino acid known as theanine, which is good for keeping the body in its best form. Green tea trims the waist ling while also enhancing mental performance.

Dried Apricots

Apricots have high levels of magnesium, a natural muscle relaxant, which aid in fighting off both stress and anxiety.

Grass-Fed Beef

Red meat often has bad connotations associated with it, but if eaten right it can lead to only beneficial results. Grass-fed beef is void of added hormones, antibiotics, and other fluff that aren’t naturally produced. Instead, this type of beef has higher levels of antioxidants, is naturally lower in fat, and contains 2-4 more times of omega 3-fatty acids. Grass-fed beef can get a little pricey so as a substitute, asking your butcher for a lean cut will do the essentials for a portion of the price.

Nuts

Not only are these tasty treats great to munch on to curb cravings when you’re hungry, they are also a great source for the most essential vitamins our bodies need to remain Zen. Almonds are especially good for their levels of vitamin B2 and E, zinc, and magnesium. As mentioned before, vitamin E helps combat the stressed induced free radicals, which cause heart disease and cancer.  Cashews have high levels of zinc in them as well. Low levels of zinc have been linked to depression and anxiety and since our bodies do not store zinc, it’s important that we get some in our bodies each day. Walnuts contain some of the largest levels of omega 3-fatty acids and other polyphenols, also good for memory loss prevention. Not only do all these types of nuts contain the nutrients needed to lower stress, but they also provide our bodies with even greater health benefits.

So now you know foods that reduce stress and how to reduce stress. Good luck .

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