Stress has found most of its significance today, in the post-industrialization era. Stress is the cause of a wide range of diseases and the rising awareness to fight it is evident. We spend a lot of money on activities such as yoga and breathing exercises, to get rid of day to day stress. Well, do you know, stress can be controlled by certain food items? Yes, nature has given us certain foods that help us reduce stress.
How exactly healthy diet reduces stress
Stress has an adverse effect on the blood flow, as well as on the blood pressure. Some foods are known for their medicinal properties, known as superfoods help to reduce stress. These superfoods have nutrients that improve blood flow. Nutrients such as omega-3s, vitamin E, polyphenols, carotenoids are found in red wine, blueberries, dark chocolate, sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach, avocados, green leafy vegetables and a diet rich with these nutrients improves the blood flow thus bettering the delivery of the key nutrients to the brain as well.
Here are 10 superfoods to eat for stress-
Green leafy vegetables- Green leafy vegetables such as spinach is rich in folate that helps the body to produce serotonin and dopamine which are mood-regulating neurotransmitters. Folate is also said to reduce the risk of depression if consumed in good quantity. Some researches have found, consuming fruits and vegetables help calm the nerves of young adults.
Salmons- Wild-caught salmons have krill oil. The animal-based omega-3 fats have an important role in our emotional well-being. There are researches that show omega-3 fats work as natural antidepressants which do not have any side effects.
Blueberries- Ever wondered what makes blueberries blue? There are pigments called anthocyanins which are responsible for the dark blue color in blueberries. These pigments are antioxidants that help in the production of dopamine which is imperative for memory function and coordination between the brain and the body.
Pistachios- A study found consuming a suitable quantity of pistachios daily, dilates the arteries thereby reducing the load on the heart. Although, it is recommended to consume organic pistachios as bleached or dyed pistachios have a high risk of contamination by a carcinogenic mold which they get during processing.
Dark Chocolate- The joyous feeling chocolate gives us is not a mere coincidence. Chocolate produces a neurotransmitter known as anandamide in the brain that temporarily blocks the feelings of pain and depression. No wonder why chocolate is referred to as the new antianxiety drug.
A disciplined lifestyle, regular workout regimes, and a healthy diet complement in the intake of superfoods in reducing stress.
