Modern day life with its high tempo and a lot of stress can do a real number of damage on your central nervous system. But in same time there are some powerful foods that can help calm your nerves naturally for maximum health. Whenever you feel happy or sad, another piece of chocolate or a fruit will make it just better. You can even compare some foods to a sort of emotional anesthesia. It brings you at least a temporary feeling of peace and comfort, but effect tends to disappear quite fast. And you are left behind with nothing else but few extra pounds. However, there are few snacks and meals that truly sooth and calm you down. Thanks to specific nutrients they will get you through the day focused, even and with no extra centimeters on your waist:
Asparagus
Besides making your urine smell funny, asparagus contains a large amount of folate, which keeps you cool. You can always add asparagus into salads, steam , broil or grill them.
Avocado
The fruit is known as stress-proof food. Avocados are rich in glutathione, the substance which blocks intestinal absorption of certain fats. They are also rich in lutein, beta-carotene, vitamin E and folate like any other fruit.
Blueberries
These berries are known for having the highest level of antioxidant knows as anthocyanon, which is responsible for all kinds of positive outcomes, including sharper cognition. All berries, including strawberries, raspberries and blackberries are rich in the vitamin C, which has been proved to be helpful in fighting stress.
Cashews
Nuts are a great type of snacks, because they are crunchy, a bit salty and they make you stop craving for eating more. Those trying to lose weight can find a great combination of protein and fat in nuts. Cashews though are a good source of zinc, the lack of which is linked with depression and anxiety.
Chamomile tea
It is probably the most recommended beverage for those having hard time to fall asleep. But there are more evidences proving that chamomile has calming effects. According to the studies from University of Pennsylvania, chamomile supplement has been tested on 57 participants, suffering from anxiety for the last 8 weeks. After regular chamomile consumption they noticed a significant drop in anxiety symptoms.
Chocolate
It is known for having natural antioxidants, which put chocolate on the top of the list among heart-healthy products. Plus it always rises the mood. It is common for people to polish off the entire package of chocolate when they are depressed or upset. Don’t feel guilty, as dark chocolate especially really makes you feel better. It is known for ability to lower the pressure and make you feel calm. Along with two antioxidants – polyphenols and flavonols, you can easily allow yourself this tasty treat.
Garlic
Garlic is totally packed with antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals, that damage our cells and cause various diseases. It also contains one important compound, called allicin, which is linked to fending off heart diseases, cancer and cold. Stress tends to make our immune system weak, and such a friend like garlic is essential in this fight.
Grass fed beef
Exactly the grass fed beef is very healthy for people, as it contains more antioxidants, including vitamin C and E and bate carotene than grain fed beef. In addition it doesn’t contain hormones, antibiotics or other drugs. British Journal of Nutrition has found out that volunteers who consumed only grass fed beef increased their blood levels of omega 3 fatty acids and decreased in its turn the pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids. These changes are connected with lower risk of cancer, depression and inflammatory diseases.
Green tea
It does contain caffeine, but also it has amino acid called theanine, which can protect from cancer and also boost brain work, enhancing mental performance.
Oatmeal
The combination of carbohydrate which is found in oatmeal makes your brain produce seratonin –a well known hormone of happiness. It creates soothing effect and helps you overcome stress.
Oranges
Are another great source of vitamin C, plus it is portable and makes it easy to carry around.
Oysters
They are good not only as aphrodisiacs, but are also known as Godzilla of zinc. Here is why: six oysters that you are typically served in a restaurant have more than half the RDA for this important mineral.
Walnuts
They contain alpha-linolenic acid, omega-3 fatty acid and other elements that have been shown to prevent the memory loss. Another great snack to add to your daily meals.
source: prevention
featured image: mybeautygym
Nice Post
These are very revelatory facts on food that would help reduce stress and anxiety. Thank you for sharing.