7 Foods That Naturally Reduce Stress
Stress has become a major problem in today’s world. It is a condition in which a person suffers from mental strain due to difficult circumstances. There are many factors which can cause stress. Some of the most common ones include loss of loved ones, high pressure working environments and traumatic experiences.
Stress has a negative impact on our lives and we need to do some things that help us manage it. There are various techniques which can help in reducing stress. One of these which can be very effective is eating foods that decrease stress.
Here are 7 food items which can help you deal with stress:
#1 Warm Milk
Calcium present in milk helps in decreasing stress, Image Credits: Pixabay
Drinking warm milk has many benefits and one of these is its ability to reduce stress levels. Recent research suggests that calcium has the ability to decrease stress in the body and milk is rich in calcium.
There are studies which show that psychological benefits of drinking warm milk include a relaxing effect on the body and also help in achieving a better sleeping cycle. Developing a habit of drinking warm milk before sleeping can indicate to the body that it’s time to sleep.
Try having a glass of warm milk before bed to manage stress.
#2 Herbal Tea
Herbal tea provides a soothing and relaxing action. Image Credits: Public Domain Pictures
Herbal teas have various benefits which can help in reducing stress. Ingesting warm beverages has a soothing effect on the body. Herbal teas have an added benefit to normal warm liquids.
They include ingredients such as chamomile which have a relaxing action and boost feelings of friendliness and warmth. This combination can be very effective in battling stress. You can start by consuming one cup of herbal tea of the flavour of your choice.
#3 Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin C levels. Some experts have linked Vitamin C to stress levels. Recent studies show that an increase in Vitamin C levels can decrease the stress an individual has.
The best intake mode of Vitamin C is consuming citrus fruits. They are easy to ingest and provide a wide variety to choose from. Some common citrus fruits include oranges and lemons.
#4 Whole Grains
Whole grains have many health benefits. They are rich in carbohydrates and contain other essential nutrients such as fibre. Carbohydrates are known to temporarily increase the levels of a chemical called serotonin in the brain. Serotonin increase has a positive action on the brain and can help in improving mood and decreasing stress.
#5 Dark Chocolate
Presence of antioxidants makes dark chocolate better than normal chocolate at relieving stress. Image Credits: Pixabay
Eating chocolate in itself can provide a feel-good factor to many individuals. Experts believe that chocolate can improve mood because of its psychological action. Dark chocolate goes a step further than that.
Dark chocolates are rich in antioxidants. These can decrease the stress hormones which are present in the body. A study which was conducted to understand the impact of dark chocolate on stress levels shows that it has a beneficial action.
Be sure not to eat too much. The recommended intake is one-quarter of a regular-sized chocolate bar every day.
#6 Dried Fruits or Nuts
B Vitamins in pistachios help in reducing stress, Image Credits: Pixabay
Dried fruits are food items which lose their water content either naturally or artificially before they are ingested. These are rich in nutrients which can help reduce stress.
Most nuts have a high concentration of B Vitamins which have been linked with stress reduction.
Ensure that you only eat a handful of nuts during the day. Dried fruits which are considered best to deal with stress are pistachios, walnuts and almonds.
Spinach has a high magnesium content.Image Credits: Public Domain Pictures
Spinach is a green vegetable which is rich in magnesium which is a necessary nutrient for the body. Low magnesium levels have been linked with an increase in stress. Experts believe that the majority of our population is deficient in magnesium.
An increase in stress reduces the amount of magnesium present in the body making it ever so important to eat spinach to maintain magnesium levels.
Takeaway
Stress management is a difficult task but it can be done. These foods will help in reducing your stress levels but you should combine their intake with other stress-relieving activities. Be careful with the quantities of these foods. Overeating them will not increase their action.
If you still feel stressed after doing these activities, then you should consult a therapist or a doctor to manage your stress level better.
Commentaires