Photo of Johana Mukandila

Top food that reduces stress

There are many ways to manage and even reduce stress levels when you’re feeling tense. Food can be one of your biggest allies or even your enemy . It can make your stress levels go down or up, so it’s critical to pay attention to what you’re eating when you’re feeling frazzled

Society has made stress a part of your life, as the exposure to high levels of stress could be detrimental to your heart, mental and nervous health and even to your menstrual cycle, according to Kotex. 

According to research our bodies need to constantly reduce nutrients such as vitamin C, omega 3 calcium and magnesium since these nutrients are the most used in our bodies. These nutrients are present in the foods that reduce stress levels. 

Here are top foods to eat that will reduce your stress levels according to Kotex.

  • Avocado 

The nutrients in avocado considerably regulate cortisol, the stress hormone. If you consume an avocado a day, you will not only regulate your blood pressure and the level of cortisol in your body, but you will also keep your brain healthy. Include it in your salads or make some good old Avo on toast.

  • Asparagus

Asparagus is a vegetable which is rich in folic acid, and makes it one of the best foods that help fight stress. You can use them in salads, in sauce or baked, they will provide the vitamin B and fiber that you need any way that you make them.

  • Orange

Oranges are one of the most effective stress relieving foods. It is high in vitamin C, which stimulates the immune system and regulates cortisol, the stress hormone. Whether you eat it alone, in a salad, or in juice, the orange is one of the most effective foods for stress relief.

  • Milk

Milk provides vitamins A, D, calcium and proteins, which help to reduce your stress levels. It is important to have your breakfast with milk. It is the best way to include it in your diet, but you can also add some fruit to the milk to give it a more delicious flavour or add it to your coffee.

  • Dark Chocolate 

According to research, dark chocolate a day reduces cortisol levels, the stress hormone. Dark chocolate contains magnesium, a mineral that fights against stress, depression and irritability. Dark chocolate is also widely used as a home recipe for menstrual cramps. The best thing is that you can make a drink or a dessert with it, either way, it will do its job.

 

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