A healthy diet can work wonders indeed when it comes to lowering stress. However, diet is often overlooked in the modern era where we are all running after one thing or the other. Who has the time to eat healthy? We end up eating food outside more often than not. Fatty meals are great for satisfying our cravings in a convenient way but have a lasting negative impact on our health.
Did you know eating healthy can help you stay stress-free? If you are thinking about how they’re both linked, continue reading!
Healthy eating and stress
The following are some incredible foods you should be including in your diet to stay healthy and keep stress at bay.
- The nutrients that are present in healthy food promote blood flow in the body.
- Certain nutrients can help promote blood flow and include Omega-3s as well as polyphenols and vitamin E. These are most commonly found in blueberries, dark chocolate, and red wine.
- Plant compounds too have been known to help reduce stress in the body. These include polyphenols and carotenoids that are present in bright colored peppers as well as green leafy vegetables.
- Experts recommend eating foods that have a high vitamin C content. This includes citrus fruits which can help lower stress and also strengthen the immune system. The consumption of foods that have adequate amounts of this vitamin can help lower the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.
- It is advisable to eat foods that include complex carbohydrates. This includes whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Such carbohydrates promote the release of serotonin and help regulate blood pressure as well.
- Nuts and seeds including flaxseeds, walnuts, almonds, and pistachios are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. These chemicals are known to help reduce stress hormones. They are also known to help protect against depression, heart disease, and a variety of other disorders.
