Stress is something we’ve all felt at some point. To feel better again, many of us reach for ice cream and other comfort foods, but those foods often contain high levels of stress-inducing fats and carbohydrates. Instead, try the following alternatives the next time you feel stressed. They’re often overlooked, but they are rich in vitamins and minerals that will help lower your cortisol levels, regulate your blood pressure, and combat the aftereffects of stress.
Superfoods that can boost your mood and melt away stress.
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Spinach
Add spinach to a salad or stir fry it for a large helping of stress relief. Spinach is rich in folate, a form of vitamin B, which produces dopamine, a hormone that induces pleasure and keeps you calm. Spinach also contains magnesium, which helps regulate emotions. If spinach isn’t your thing, munch on other dark leafy greens.
Blueberries
Grab a bowl of blueberries, and pop ’em in your mouth as you work away. Healthy and easy to eat, blueberries are a great snack when stressed because they’re rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Research has shown that those who have vitamin C in their system also have lower blood pressure and lower cortisol levels. Antioxidants help empower our immune systems, which are often left weak by stress.
Salmon
Salmon makes for a great meal during stressful times. The fish can be cooked in a number of ways and contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Research also shows that these fats have anti-inflammatory properties, which keep stress hormones under control and regulate adrenaline.
Avocados
Although bananas are the usual go-to for potassium with 422mg potassium, avocados are actually richer in this nutrient with 487mg potassium in just half an avocado. This makes avocados a must-eat when stressed because potassium controls blood pressure by lessening the effects of sodium. In addition, eating avocado will help curb your stress-eating as it’s very filling.
Cashews
A great nut to put in trail mix or eat alone, cashews contain high amounts of zinc that can help reduce anxiety. It’s important to consume foods rich in zinc every day since your body has no way to store zinc. Cashews are also a great source of tryptophan, an amino acid that helps create serotonin, an antidepressant hormone. Having low levels of serotonin may cause you to feel anxious, stressed, and upset. Therefore, cashews are a great substitute for typical comfort foods like chips or candy.
The next time you’re stressed (or even when you’re not), be sure to eat these foods. They’re easy to find, delicious, and great for your body.
For other tips on how to reduce stress, read these articles:
- Massage Your Pain and Stress Away
- De-stress Your Life with Visualization and Guided Imagery
- Best Teas for Stress Relief and Digestion
- An Ancient Remedy to Stress and Anxiety
Feature Image Source: Sodanie Chea
