Foods to help fight stress

Our bodies are incredible machines and able to cope with stress but they need to be fed correctly to function at optimum efficiency. Stress is part of life, so, you need to fight back and that’s with the foods below that are proven to reduce stress. These foods, experts say, are high in tryptophan and […]

Our bodies are incredible machines and able to cope with stress but they need to be fed correctly to function at optimum efficiency. Stress is part of life, so, you need to fight back and that’s with the foods below that are proven to reduce stress.

These foods, experts say, are high in tryptophan and tyrosine which support our body’s production of serotonin and catecholamines. These foods can alter your mood and offer many other benefits that are essential for reducing stress and improving health and wellness. Best of all, there are no side effects, nervousness and no risk of addiction as they are natural.

Pawpaw:

Half a medium papaya carries nearly 75 per cent more vitamin C than an orange, and provides potent protection against stress. Researchers at the University of Alabama found 200 milligrams of vitamin C — about as much as you’ll find in one large papaya — twice a day, nearly stopped the flow of stress hormones in rats. It should work for you, too.  

Herbal tea:

Black tea or herbal tea checks calories, and at the same time betters your mood. The herbs act like medicine in calming and relaxing our mind. Another study discovered that peppermint tea makes drivers more alert and less anxious.  

Pumpkin seeds:

Pumpkin seeds are loaded with stress-busting potential thanks to high levels of magnesium. Only about 30 per cent of us meet our daily magnesium requirements, placing the rest of us at a higher risk for stress symptoms such as headaches, anxiety, tension, fatigue, insomnia, nervousness and high blood pressure. A quarter cup of pumpkin seeds gives you half your day’s magnesium requirements.

Avocados:

The healthy fats buried in the avocado’s flesh make it an ideal choice when you’re craving something rich and creamy. This is because of the mono-unsaturated (healthy) fatty acids, and potassium — both of which help combat high blood pressure. Avocado fat is 66 per cent mono-unsaturated, the green fruit has about 35 per cent more potassium than a banana.

Fish:

An abundant source of Omega 3 fatty acids, fish contains important B vitamins, particularly the renowned stress fighters B6 and B12. “In fact, B12 is one of the most important vitamins involved in the synthesis of the ‘happy’ brain chemical serotonin; a vitamin B12 deficiency can even lead to depression.

Almonds:

The almond’s first stress-buster is the aforementioned monounsaturated fats. Almonds, thankfully, are loaded with vitamin E. To reach your day’s requirement from almonds alone, you need to eat about 40 to 50 nuts. Or you can mix them with other vitamin-E rich foods to save calories and add more dietary variety. You can keep blood sugar steady between your main meal by eating and snacking on nuts. Unsalted peanuts, cashews, almonds and walnuts are great. These are packed with vitamin B complex vitamins which if we don’t get enough of are responsible for exhaustion tiredness and adrenal problems.

Oatmeal:

A biochemical effect of stress is a depleted stock of serotonin, the hormone that makes you feel cool, calm, and in control. One reliable strategy for boosting serotonin back to healthy levels is to increase your intake of carbohydrates. Rather, to induce a steady flow of serotonin, aim to eat fiber-rich, whole-grain carbohydrates. The slower rate of digestion will keep seratonin production steady and prevent the blood sugar roller-coaster that leads to mood swings and mindless eating, health experts say.