Here is Part II of Stress-Relief With Foods.
Fatty Fish For the Win
Mackerel, Herring, Salmon, and Sardines
Dive into delicious stress relief with fatty fish! Packed with omega-3 fats and vitamin D, these superstars are powerhouses for reducing stress and improving mood. Here’s why:
- Omega-3s: Essential for brain health and mood regulation, omega-3s may even help your body handle stress more effectively.
- Vitamin D: This vitamin plays a critical role in mental health and stress regulation. Research shows low levels of vitamin D are linked to an increased risk of anxiety and depression. So, fatty fish like mackerel, herring, salmon, and sardines become a delicious way to boost your mood and fight stress!
Parsley
The Mighty Munch
Stress-relief with food can be so much fun! Don’t underestimate the power of this delightfully delicious and nutritious herb! This little herb is packed with antioxidants, incredible compounds that fight free radicals (unstable molecules) and shield your body from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is linked to a variety of illnesses, including mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. But here’s the good news: antioxidants in parsley can also help reduce inflammation, a common issue in people with chronic stress.
Garlic
Your Body’s Best Friend
Garlic isn’t just for adding flavor to your favorite dishes! It’s also high in sulfur compounds that help increase levels of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that acts as your body’s first line of defense against stress.
Tahini
Nature’s Mood Booster
Calling all tahini lovers! This rich spread, made from sesame seeds, is an excellent source of the amino acid L-tryptophan. L-tryptophan is a precursor to dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters that regulate mood. By incorporating tahini into your diet, you may be able to boost your mood and ease symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Sunflower seeds
A Nutritional Powerhouse
Sunflower seeds are more than just a satisfying snack. They’re rich in vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as a powerful antioxidant and is essential for mental health. Studies show that a low intake of vitamin E is associated with depression. But that’s not all! Sunflower seeds are also high in other stress-reducing nutrients like magnesium, manganese, selenium, zinc, B vitamins, and copper.
Broccoli
The Cruciferous Champion
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts cabbage and bok choy are superstars for a reason! They boast impressive health benefits, potentially lowering your risk of certain cancers, heart disease, and even mental health disorders like depression. Plus, they’re some of the most concentrated food sources of nutrients like magnesium, vitamin C, and folate, all proven to combat depressive symptoms.
Chickpeas
The Stress-Fighting Legume
These legumes are a great source of magnesium, potassium, B vitamins, zinc, selenium, manganese, copper, and L-tryptophan. Just like tahini, chickpeas are rich in L-tryptophan, which your body needs to produce mood-regulating neurotransmitters. neurotransmitters.
Chamomile
The Ancient Remedy
Both chamomile tea and chamomile extract promote sleep and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Blueberries
Delicious Defenders
These delightful berries are high in flavanoid antioxidants, which have powerful anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. They may help reduce stress-related inflammation and protect your cells from damage caused by stress.
So next time you’re feeling stressed, reach for these delicious and nutritious foods! By incorporating them into your diet, you can take charge of your mood and feel your best.
Learn more here: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/stress-relieving-foods