Stressed to Death? Super Foods that Help You Beat Stress

Amy Taylor November 22, 2012

Turning to food when you are extremely stressed is your body’s natural response to life’s pressures. It’s because eating is a pleasurable activity, and when you do something pleasurable, your brain produces hormones that makes you feel calmer and happier. But incorrect food choice can just aggravate your stress and expose you to various health problems, including obesity, cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Surely, you eat not to heighten your stress but to beat it. Here are the super foods that will help you keep that stress under control.

Say “nuts” to stress!

Got a really bad day? Get a handful of nuts. Almonds, pistachios, and walnuts are loaded with vitamin E and antioxidants that boost your immune system and lower down your stress levels. Scientists found that eating just a handful of pistachio every day can help reduce the health effects caused by chronic stress, such as heart attack. Walnuts have also been found to improve the cardiovascular system.

Get fats from Salmon.

When you’re highly stressed, you are likely to choose fatty foods over the healthier ones. One great source of fats (good fats) is salmon. It is high in omega-3 fatty acids that keep adrenaline and cortisol (stress hormones) from spiking. Nutritionists recommend eating a serving of fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel at least twice a week.

Bust stress with spinach

This lean, green leaf is bursting with magnesium – an essential element that increases your body’s response to stress. It also prevents your blood pressure from spiking.

Ditch the ice cream, go with guacamole.

If your stress is telling you to reach for a large bowl of fatty ice cream, try creamy guacamole instead. Avocado is among the healthiest foods out there. This soft, flavourful and creamy fruit is fully packed with antioxidants, monounsaturated fats, and potassium that are crucial for a healthy heart.

Gain confidence with orange.

Feeling anxious about your upcoming presentation at work? Turn to orange. In one study, German researchers asked 120 participants to undergo a public-speaking activity and solve math problems. Those who took 3,000 mg of vitamin C reported that they felt less stressed. Their blood pressure and cortisol levels also returned to normal at a faster time compared to those who did not take the vitamin.

Can’t sleep due to stress? Drink milk.

Stress can significantly affect your quality of sleep. So during those nights you couldn’t fall into a deep slumber, make sure you refresh your mind and body with a glass of warm milk. Not only that, a glass of this white stuff can also reduce irritability, anxiety and mood swings. In the study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, it was found that women who drank four or more glasses of low-fat milk had a 46% lower risk of pre-period misery than those who only consumed one glass.

Stay cool with asparagus.

Arguing with your partner? Find the work load too much? Take a break first and munch some asparagus. These slender stalks are high in folate, which helps in stabilising your mood.

Dear Readers,

What other foods can you think of that are great in fighting stress?

Share your comments below.