Too often we find ourselves reaching for comfort food as an emotional drug, but this quick fix usually leaves us feeling even more sluggish and pressured – with extra kilos to boot.
We know the pressure is on to lose those extra winter kilos, but the stress of achieving that summer body can become quite stressful.
An article in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry explains that not many people are aware of the connection between nutrition and conditions like stress and depression.
Science Direct also reports that stress can influence human eating behaviour. We have therefore put together twelve superfoods to help you combat your stress levels.
Bust your stress with these twelve foods:
Almonds
Rich in vitamins B2 and E almonds help your body to relieve stress. This crunchy snack comes in handy when you feel you can’t cope. It’s good for the immune system and also a healthy snack when eaten in moderation.
Asparagus
Add some folic acid to your diet. Depression and stress are linked to low folic acid levels. Fight these conditions by increasing or including this mood booster in your diet.
Avocado
This winter favourite is not just a delicious fruit; it’s also rich B-vitamins, beneficial for the functioning of our nerves and brain cells. A deficiency of B-vitamins can lead to feelings of anxiety. Not only are avos juicy and wholesome, their monounsaturated fat and potassium act as stress relievers.
Blueberries
Bursting with vitamins and antioxidants, our bodies benefit from blueberries when we need to repair and protect our cells from stress.
Cashew nuts
Salted or raw, this popular nut is a good source of zinc. Low levels of zinc are linked to anxiety and depression.
Oatmeal
Start your morning with this fibre-packed breakfast option. Fibre comes with great advantages that will leave you feeling fuller for longer – the higher the fibre content the longer it takes to digest. Fibre also increases the flow of serotonin.
Oysters
Not only is this bivalve an aphrodisiac, the high content of zinc found in oysters can make you feel good and bursting with energy.
Salmon
One of the best sources of omega-3 fatty-acids. Consuming omega-3 fatty acids is associated with improved mood and cognition. It also prevents cortisol and adrenaline spikes when you're feeling tense.
Spinach
Is packed with magnesium. This mineral can increase your energy levels, reduce insomnia and calm your nerves in stressful situations. Just a cup of spinach can fill 40% of your daily magnesium quota.
Sweet potato
Sweet and deliciously packed with various B vitamins, vitamin C, dietary fibre and potassium. The fibre and magnesium make for easy digestion. Bioactive compounds found in this vegetable play a pivotal role in reducing oxidative stress and reducing cardiovascular disease risk, among other things.
Turkey
Is full of tryptophan, which is a feel-good amino acid. It's good for promoting calmness. The presence of zinc is good for fighting depression and anxiety. The niacin and vitamin B found in this festive treat are essential for the body’s energy production.
Walnuts
These contain alpha-linolenic acid, an essential omega-3 fatty acid, which, along with other polyphenols, helps with memory loss. The Indian Journal of Psychiatry reports that diets lacking omega-3 may lead to considerable disturbance in neural function. Various studies suggest that nuts may have beneficial effects on depression and the development cognitive decline because of their high levels of antioxidants and vitamins.
We know the pressure is on to lose those extra winter kilos, but the stress of achieving that summer body can become quite stressful.
An article in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry explains that not many people are aware of the connection between nutrition and conditions like stress and depression.
Science Direct also reports that stress can influence human eating behaviour. We have therefore put together twelve superfoods to help you combat your stress levels.
Bust your stress with these twelve foods:
Almonds
Rich in vitamins B2 and E almonds help your body to relieve stress. This crunchy snack comes in handy when you feel you can’t cope. It’s good for the immune system and also a healthy snack when eaten in moderation.
Asparagus
Add some folic acid to your diet. Depression and stress are linked to low folic acid levels. Fight these conditions by increasing or including this mood booster in your diet.
Avocado
This winter favourite is not just a delicious fruit; it’s also rich B-vitamins, beneficial for the functioning of our nerves and brain cells. A deficiency of B-vitamins can lead to feelings of anxiety. Not only are avos juicy and wholesome, their monounsaturated fat and potassium act as stress relievers.
Blueberries
Bursting with vitamins and antioxidants, our bodies benefit from blueberries when we need to repair and protect our cells from stress.
Cashew nuts
Salted or raw, this popular nut is a good source of zinc. Low levels of zinc are linked to anxiety and depression.
Oatmeal
Start your morning with this fibre-packed breakfast option. Fibre comes with great advantages that will leave you feeling fuller for longer – the higher the fibre content the longer it takes to digest. Fibre also increases the flow of serotonin.
Oysters
Not only is this bivalve an aphrodisiac, the high content of zinc found in oysters can make you feel good and bursting with energy.
Salmon
One of the best sources of omega-3 fatty-acids. Consuming omega-3 fatty acids is associated with improved mood and cognition. It also prevents cortisol and adrenaline spikes when you're feeling tense.
Spinach
Is packed with magnesium. This mineral can increase your energy levels, reduce insomnia and calm your nerves in stressful situations. Just a cup of spinach can fill 40% of your daily magnesium quota.
Sweet potato
Sweet and deliciously packed with various B vitamins, vitamin C, dietary fibre and potassium. The fibre and magnesium make for easy digestion. Bioactive compounds found in this vegetable play a pivotal role in reducing oxidative stress and reducing cardiovascular disease risk, among other things.
Turkey
Is full of tryptophan, which is a feel-good amino acid. It's good for promoting calmness. The presence of zinc is good for fighting depression and anxiety. The niacin and vitamin B found in this festive treat are essential for the body’s energy production.
Walnuts
These contain alpha-linolenic acid, an essential omega-3 fatty acid, which, along with other polyphenols, helps with memory loss. The Indian Journal of Psychiatry reports that diets lacking omega-3 may lead to considerable disturbance in neural function. Various studies suggest that nuts may have beneficial effects on depression and the development cognitive decline because of their high levels of antioxidants and vitamins.
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