10 Foods To Fight Stress

Due to hectic lifestyle, many people experience stress and it is a known fact that stress is not good for health. In fact, too much stress in life can cause negative effects on your body, mood and behavior. It can even lead to both short and long-term physical problems such as impaired memory, learning abilities, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, osteoporosis and a poorly functioning immune system. This is one reason why people look for ways to fight stress.

The best way to fight stress is it to find out the cause behind it and then try to resolve it. At the same time regular exercise, massage and yoga can help to reduce stress levels. However, very few people know that there are certain foods that can also help to combat stress. You just need to eat these foods whenever you are in stress and soon you will feel more relaxed.

Here are top 10 super foods to fight stress.

1. Green Tea

Green tea contains powerful antioxidants such as polyphenols, flavonoids and catechins. All these antioxidants help a lot in creating positive mood due to their calming effect on the mind and body. Those who drink at least five cups of green tea per day can enjoy better health and mood as compared to those who do not drink less tea. Next time whenever you are in stress, take out some time to enjoy a cup of green tea. Those who do not like green tea can also opt for black tea. The positive impact of green tea will be more amongst people who do not drink alcohol and smoke cigarette.

2. Blueberries

Blueberries contain plenty of antioxidants that help a lot to reduce the stress level. Blueberries also contain Vitamins C and Vitamin E along with minerals like magnesium and manganese, which are helpful in reducing stress. Regular consumption of blueberries also helps a lot in dealing with depression, insomnia and other mood disorders. As blueberries are rich in fiber content and low in calorie level, this fruit can also be consumed by those who wish to lose weight. You can try blueberries as it is or try them with cottage cheese and add them to a healthy plate of fruit salad. Along with blueberries, cranberries can also help a lot to reduce stress.

3. Milk

Those who regularly consume milk feel less stressed. One glass of skim milk provides your body with the good amount of antioxidants along with vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium and protein. All these nutrients help to fight the free radicals that get released when you are in stress and help you to calm down soon. The best way to start the day is to have a bowl of whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk. This is regarded as the best stress-fighting breakfast. Also try to drink a glass of warm milk before going to bed to enjoy better sleep. Those who do not like milk can eat milk products such as cottage cheese and yogurt.

4. Spinach

Dark green vegetable like spinach is rich in Vitamins C, A and B-vitamins. At the same time spinach also contains a good amount of minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus which help a lot to reduce stress hormones in the body and stabilize the mood. One cup of spinach daily can have relaxing, calming effects on the body and help your body to fight against stress. There are many easy ways to include spinach in your diet. You can add this green leafy vegetable in your omelet, wrap, and sandwich or eat it in the form of a salad.

5. Almonds

Nuts especially almonds are high in Vitamin E, Vitamin B, magnesium, zinc and healthy oils. At the same time almonds are a great source of fiber. You can eat almonds in raw or roasted form as a healthy snack. Also you can include almonds in desserts and baked food items. Along with almonds you can also eat walnuts and pistachios to lower your stress hormones, reduce blood pressure and boost your energy level.

6. Dark Chocolate

It has been found that eating about an ounce and a half of dark chocolate daily can hugely reduce the level of stress hormones present in the body. This happens because dark chocolate contains magnesium, which is a mineral that can help to fight against stress, fatigue, depression and irritability. The best part about dark chocolate is that most of us like it and can be consumed in different ways. Whenever you feel stress, immediately eat some dark chocolate and soon it will boost your mood and reduce the stress level. If you like you can also try a warm glass of chocolate milk or any kind of dessert having dark chocolate to fight stress.

7. Salmon

Salmon is a kind of cold water fish that contains a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids, a kind of strong anti-inflammatory agent. Omega-3 fatty acids boost happy brain chemicals like serotonin and regulate stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. At the same time omega-3 fatty acids help brain cells to function more efficiently. You must eat two or three servings of salmon per week. Along with salmon, you can also eat other oily fish such as mackerel, tuna and sardines. If required you can take daily omega-3 fatty acid supplement after consulting your doctor.

8. Oranges

Oranges are high in Vitamin C that help boost your immunity and it is also an antioxidant, which fights the free radicals that get release when you are in stress. At the same time oranges have significant amounts of Vitamin A and the B vitamins as well as different types of healthy minerals which are good for overall health. The best way to enjoy the benefits of nutrients present in oranges is to drink a glass of fresh orange juice daily. Else you can include oranges in desserts and various baked food items. Along with oranges, you must also eat other citrus fruits.

9. Brown Rice

Brown rice contains a good amount of B-vitamins, which are extremely important in maintaining cells, tissues and organs. These type of vitamins also help a lot in biochemical reactions involved in energy, brain function, healthy red blood cells, immunity, and cardiac function and so on. When the body gets adequate amount of B-vitamins then there will be less stress in your life and also you do not have to suffer from different types of mood disorders. Next time when you experience irritability and moodiness try to eat brown rice products and soon you will feel better.

10. Avocado

Avocado contains a good amount of minerals, protein, vitamin C and vitamin E. Also it is high in fiber, potassium and healthy fat. All these nutrients help to regulate the stress hormones in check by keeping nerves and brain cells healthy. Daily consumption of one avocado will significantly lower down your blood pressure level and reduce the stress hormone level. You can eat avocado as it is or add it to your favorite fruit salad plate or smoothie. For better result, try to eat fresh avocado instead on the packaged version.

To conclude, the above mentioned ten stress fighting foods are packed with nutrients that can regulate stress hormones and help you to enjoy a stress free life. So, next time when you are in stress or tension, just eat any of the above mentioned food items and soon you will feel better.