The nine common foods that help you reduce stress

By A Ndong

When you are feeling under pressure or close to a breaking point, munching on stress-free foods can rejuvenate you.

A German study published in the journal Psychopharmacology found that vitamin C helps reduce stress and return blood pressure and cortisol to normal levels after a stressful situation. Vitamin C is also well known for boosting your immune system.

Sweet potatoes can be particularly stress reducing because they satisfy the urge you get for carbohydrates and sweets when you are stressed. They are packed full of beta-carotene and other vitamins and the fibre helps your body to process the carbohydrates in a slow and steady manner.

Apricots rich in magnesium is a stress-buster and a natural muscle relaxant. Almonds are packed with B and E vitamins, which help boost your immune system, and walnuts and pistachios help lower blood pressure.

Turkey contains L-tryptophan the amino acid that triggers the release of serotonin, which is a feel-good brain chemical. This is why many people who eat turkey feel relaxed or tired, after eating it. L-Tryptophan has a documented calming effect.

A deficiency in magnesium can cause migraine headaches and a feeling of fatigue. One cup of spinach provides 40 per cent of your daily needs for magnesium.

Omega-3 rich diets protect against heart disease. A study published in Diabetes & Metabolism found that omega-3 keep the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline from peaking.

Lower blood pressure

The monounsaturated fats and potassium in avocados help lower blood pressure. One of the best ways to lower blood pressure is to consume enough potassium (avocados have more than bananas). Broccoli, kale, and other dark green vegetables are rich in vitamins that help replenish our bodies in times of stress.

Always add just a little oil to improve uptake of fat-soluble vitamins. Other stress-busting tips include regular exercise, breakfast that includes protein and not skipping meals. These steps will keep your blood sugar stable.

When blood sugar is low, mental, physical, and emotional energy decreases, and stress increases, plus fatigue and lethargy.

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