Sometimes, choosing the right foods is all we need to fight stress. If ever there comes a time wherein you seem to lose control and everything goes wrong, just breathe deeply and choose any food in this list.
Asparagus
Asparagus is one vegetable that is high in folate, which is a mood-enhancing nutrient. You can sauté some asparagus for a tasty omelet or you can opt for steamed or grilled spears as a side vegetable for fish, meat, or poultry. Snack on some steamed spears by dipping in some dressing. Go ahead and eat as many as you’d like.
Bananas
Stress speeds up your metabolism thereby decreasing your body’s level of potassium which is a key source of energy. During stressful situations, keep bananas on your desk. This fruit is rich in potassium.
Oranges
Oranges are vitamin C powerhouse, which can help reduce blood pressure and lead to a faster return to normal of the level of stress hormone. Consumption of this fruit will help you survive your stressful job interviews or business presentations. Start your day with a fresh orange juice or consume it as a snack.
Avocados
Avocado is a creamy and delicious fruit that contains lutein, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and more folate than any other fruit. Eating avocado gives your body a stress-proof effect. Moreover, due to its richness in glutathione, it can block intestinal absorption of certain fats that cause oxidative damage.
Consuming a single serving of avocado can provide you with plenty of B vitamins. Adding thin slices of this fruit in your sandwiches can give a whole new layer of flavor.
Spinach
Spinach has been found to be rich in magnesium, which can help relax the body, prevent headaches, and lessen stress.
Tea
Aside from protecting the body against some types of cancer, research at the University of Illinois has also found that it is also an effective brain booster and can help enhance mental performance. Drink two cups each day.
Carrots
Carrots, which are the healthiest options of all snacks, can help you get rid of unpleasant muscle tension during stressful situations.
Berries
Blueberries contain high levels of antioxidants known as anthocyanin. They have been associated with all kinds of positive health outcomes wherein one of them is a sharper cognition. Due to its richness in vitamin C, eating berries can combat stress. Enjoy these benefits by eating strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries.
Its effectiveness has been proven by German researchers who have asked 120 people to give a speech then do hard math problems. Results showed that those who received vitamin C had lower blood pressure and lower levels of cortisol after the stress fest.
Almonds
Almonds are rich in B vitamins that can help you cope up with stress and anxiety. Aside from this, it is also full of vitamin E, which is great for stimulating the immune system.
