There are many ways to combat stress, but one of the best ways is to
consume stress-fighting foods. Most of us live in a hectic, crazy, busy
world where stress is almost inevitable. While a little stress can be
good for you, when you are constantly feeling stressed out, overwhelmed
and anxious, it can cause huge damage to your health, your productivity,
your mood, and even your relationships.
Too much or prolonged stress can even lead to short-term and long-term
physical problems, such as high blood pressure, impaired memory,
osteoporosis, coronary heart disease and a weak immune system. Eating
stress-fighting foods, exercising on a regular basis and practicing yoga
can help you reduce your stress levels and improve your mood without
any medications. Today we’re on a journey to discovering the best foods
that can help us fight stress and live a more peaceful life.
Brown rice
Brown rice is an excellent source of B-vitamins, which are essential
for the proper function of all tissues, cells, and organs. B-vitamins
promote heart, immune, brain health as well as healthy mood. Eating
brown rice can help you combat stress and prevent different types of
mood disorders. If you often experience moodiness, try including brown
rice into your healthy diet and enjoy a stress-free life.
Spinach
Spinach is packed with Vitamins A, C and B-vitamins and is rich in
potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, which help decrease stress
hormones in your body, stabilize your mood and make you feel better.
One cup of spinach will be enough to help your body combat stress. You
can use spinach in your salad, smoothie, omelet, and sandwiches.
Salmon
Salmon is a super-nutritious food that can work miracles on your body.
It’s high in omega-3 fatty acids that increase happy brain chemicals
such as serotonin and help regulate stress hormones such as adrenaline
and cortisol. Moreover, omega-3 fatty acids help improve your brain
function. Try eating 2 to 3 servings of salmon per week to reduce your
stress levels.
Green tea
Green tea is loaded with potent
antioxidants like polyphenols, catechins and flavonoids, and boasts
numerous powerful health benefits. Drinking green tea has calming effect
on your mind and body, thus helps reduce stress. Next time you feel
overwhelmed and stressed out, take a short break and drink a cup of
green tea. If you are not a green tea lover, you can opt for chamomile
or mint tea. Although I like black tea, I can’t recommend you to drink
it to reduce stress.