10 best stress-relieving foods for you
Joy Onuorah
Avocado and banana
They’re loaded with potassium, a vital mineral for keeping blood pressure low.
Tea
Calm frazzled nerves with a soothing cup of your favorite tea blend.
Swiss chard
The magnesium in Swiss chard and other leafy veggies helps balance the body’s stress hormone, cortisol.
Fatty fish
The heart-healthy omega-3 fats in fish such as salmon, sardines and tuna manage adrenaline levels to help keep you calm, cool and collected.
Whole wheat pretzel
Always opt for whole-grain snacks like whole-wheat pretzels or crackers. Not only will you feel fuller from the fiber, but also the carbohydrates offer an energy boost and trigger the brain to release a feel-good chemical called serotonin.
Carrots
Munching on crunchy foods helps beat stress. Nutrient-rich carrots, celery and other crunchy, fresh veggies offer satisfying crispness that won’t bog you down with too many calories.
Milk
Have a glass to get more B vitamins, protein, vitamin D and bone-building calcium to relieve tense muscles. Stick to the low-fat (1 percent) or skim varieties. Try drinking some milk around bedtime to bring on more restful sleep.
Yogurt
Next time you are feeling stressed, skip the ice cream and instead enjoy a colourful yoghurt parfait.
Nuts
Stress runs you down, which leaves you open to sickness. Almonds, pistachios and walnuts can boost your immune system with vitamins and zinc.
Dark chocolate
Research indicates that dark chocolate may lower levels of stress hormones. Chocolate also contains sugar (a carbohydrate), so it releases mood-improving serotonin. It’s all right to indulge; just keep the portions in check.
