What Are The Best Foods That Relieve Stress And Depression?

You may be surprised that some of these foods are on the list in the first place.

Appetizers

When stress levels start to get out-of-hand, especially in this pandemic, eating habits begin to change. Instead of going to the freezer for some ice cream or the pantry for potato chips, check out these foods that make you less stressed.

Now, you may not think that food is a way to reduce stress. But, food can be your greatest advocate. Actually, with nutrients like vitamin B, vitamin C, selenium, and other substances, stress levels have been proven to decrease rapidly and effectively. Take the journal Stress, published in August 2015, where it said that the “quality of nutrients you take in over time impacts the body’s neural circuits.” It is truly amazing how good and bad bacteria present itself by the food you take in.

 

Stress-Busting Foods

#1 – Herbal Teas

Tea has long been a long-standing beverage to help people relax. With tea, a warm cup can go a long way. When you sip on tea for long periods, there is an inner warmth that starts to come out of the body. Teas like lavender and chamomile have a relaxing effect on the human body. But, if you are looking for a little caffeine, go with green tea to help aid your brain and promote your memory like you never thought possible before.

#2 – Chocolate

Chocolate is also on the list of foods that relieve stress and depression. As an antioxidant food, stress hormones lower when you eat this substance. But, you certainly do not need to eat a lot of it. Researchers recommend that you eat only a 1/4 of a small chocolate bar whenever you have a sweet tooth.

It is even better if you can find chocolate with less sugar in it. The kind of chocolate that fits this category is “bean-to-bar.” This chocolate variety is where the processing uses the best quality ingredients around. So, if there are only two or three total ingredients, this is the chocolate for you. The most beneficial ingredients in chocolate are cocoa butter, cane sugar, and cacao beans.

#3 – Whole Grains

Other foods that make you less stressed are whole grains. If you are looking for that carbo-load, there is nothing better. Carbohydrates are good at upping levels of serotonin. When this hormone gets a boost, stress goes down in the process. So, instead of eating simple carbs like cake, cookies, and pasta, go for complex carbs. Some examples include buckwheat, brown rice, and whole rye.

#4 – Avocados

Avocados are other stress-busting foods. With stellar omega-3 fatty acids, avocados can transform into great guacamole, sliced up as a snack, or place in a salad, among other things. The essential acids in avocados help to reduce your anxiety, give you better concentration, and your mood will see improvement.

Another great benefit of avocados is its consistency of fiber, phytochemicals, and other perfect nutrients to aid in a diet. In turn, you will have a lower risk of a syndrome called metabolic syndrome. This syndrome is when obesity and high blood pressure start to kick in.

#5 – Fish

Fish are other foods that relieve stress and depression. Now, not everyone is on board for some good fish, but do not turn a blind eye on this protein. When you add a little fish like herring salmon, trout, and sardines to your meal, you will see less stress in your life.

However, if you are not a fish fan, even after knowing the benefits, go for other whole-food varieties. These types of foods could include soy milk, eggs, milk, walnuts, and flaxseeds. Even a quality supplement of fish oil can go a long way for you. Some other benefits include lowering the risk of strokes and heart disease, so why should you wait.

Lastly, if you are going to use a supplement, make sure to talk with your doctor or physician first. They can help you with dosage, as well as the brands to consider. This way, you can have the best experience reducing stress in your life, and making healthy, conscientious choices.

 

Dessert

As we finish up, remember you are not alone in the world when it comes to stress. With the current day and age upon us, life can be full of anxiety. But, you can combat this with the right foods. Best of luck: staying healthy and fit for decades to come.