We all get it. It’s inevitable. Stress, that is.
Now, what you do to manage it will determine your lifestyle.
Stress is a killer, more specifically chronic stress!
1Stress can affect you negatively in multiple ways. For example, research confirms that elevated cortisol levels can increase susceptibility to some illnesses, sleep deprivation, and even brain shrinkage and memory problems in adults of middle age.
But, it does not have to get the best of you. A certain level of stress can actually help you adapt to your environment.
Here are 7 stress-relieving foods that will help you deal with stress in order to “keep your cool”:
- Black Tea: lowers stress hormones1
While coffee is known for getting some people a little too energetic, tea has a reputation for being more of a balanced caffeine source and even a relaxation beverage that can work as a stress reliever in the body.
Research has shown that it can actually help its drinkers better recover from the common daily stresses of life by bringing stress hormones, like cortisol, back down.
- Green Tea: promotes relaxation1
Having a cup of green tea instead of the usual frap not only gives your body a break from high levels of caffeine – population studies indicate it reduces stress, too. (Note there is still caffeine in green tea, just less, and it tends to be gentler on the body). Other studies have singled out theanine, an amino acid found in the tea, for promoting relaxation and anti-stress effects.
- Turmeric: reduces depression1
Certain studies suggest that it may be effective at reducing depression symptoms due to the way that curcumin impacts neurotransmitter function through the brain-derived neurotrophic factor.
- Beans: regulate mood2
Beans, like chickpeas, black beans, and cannellini beans, provide high levels of folate, a B Vitamin that has been scientifically shown to reduce and relieve stress by regulating mood. They’re also a good source of B6, which supports the central nervous system and may aid in the reduction of fatigue.
- Dark Leafy Greens: manage stress2
Dark leafy greens contain high levels of magnesium, a critical mineral for managing stress. Stress depletes your body of magnesium, and this can lead to headaches, anxiety, and restlessness. You won’t feel the results of eating greens instantaneously, so be sure to keep them in daily rotation to reap the benefits.
- Chia Seeds: mitigate depression2
Chia seeds are a good source of magnesium, a critical mineral for managing stress and mitigating depression. Plus they contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which provide anti-inflammatory benefits to the brain, resulting in less stress and anxiety. In fact, some doctors and researchers believe the growing epidemic of depression and anxiety in our population has something to do with our diet, including widespread omega-3 deficiency.
- Dark Chocolate: boosts serotonin2
There’s no mistaking the feel good rush we feel after biting into a piece of dark chocolate. That’s because it boosts our serotonin levels, which also boosts our mood and makes us feel happier. In addition, studies indicate polyphenols found in cocoa can reduce stress.
Source: 1Dr. Axe; 2Food Revolution (adapted)