When work is piled up with tight deadlines around the corner;
When the kids are giving you a tough time;
When you are angry and agitated because of a recent row with your partner…
…your diet is the first to be adversely affected by your stress.
In stressful times, we tend to neglect our health and indulge in unhealthy, processed, high-calorie foods. This dangerous habit then invites many other health problems and diseases – not to mention, it does not help curb stress, either.
According to a study, almost 33% of Americans are reported to overeat or consume unhealthy foods during stressful periods.
When racked with nerves, we are compelled to munch on processed snacks, gulp down high-sugar and highly caffeinated drinks or devour a bowl of ice-cream. However it is not only non-productive but downright detrimental to rely on such foods for stress relief.
Here, we discuss four organic foods that are not only healthy but easy to prepare, quick to digest and tempting to eat.
1. Nuts and Seeds
Full of magnesium, Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, nuts and seeds are the great source of stress relief. According to medical and naturopathic doctor Dr. Carolyn Dean, “Deficiency of magnesium causes depression, anxiety and panic attacks.”
Consuming beans, nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds can enrich you with magnesium, discharging stress-causing constituents. In addition, cashews and walnuts have high element of Omega 3 and tryptophan that trigger serotonin development thus, helping you combat stress and regulate your emotions.
2. Pistachios
Pistachios provide a therapeutic solution to your stress and also your heart problems if you repeatedly eat two to three servings a day. Psychologically, busying your hands in a repetitive action of eating pistachios or peanuts can quieten the negative thoughts racing in your mind. Nutritionist specialist RDN, Heather Mangieri also says:
“Eating pistachios may reduce acute stress by lowering blood pressure and heart rate. It contains key phytonutrients that may provide antioxidant support for cardiovascular health.”
3. Spinach
Spinach contains fibre and folate that aids in boosting your energy levels and elevating your mood. Folate produces a happiness-producing brain chemical called dopamine which keeps you calm and cool.
In 2012, Journal of Affective Disorders published a study conducted on 2,800 adults and elderly people. The study concluded that people who consume folate regularly show lesser risks of depression symptoms while those who do not are prone to stress-out more often.
4. Blueberries
Blueberries have anti-oxidant pigments known as ‘anthocyanins’ which also produces dopamine in your brain, helping you to deal with your stress effectively and enrich your mood and memory. Cynthia Sass, Masters in Public Health, nutritionist and author, says:
“Research has shown that blueberry eaters experience a boost in natural killer cells – a type of white blood cell that plays a vital role in immunity, critical for countering stress.”
Thus, take a handful of these healthy snacks to work or much on them at home. You will savour their scrumptious taste and at the same time, you will be sustaining a nourishing, wholesome diet that helps you curb your stress levels.