Our lives run on a high-tension wire. We have projects to finish, deadlines to meet, money problems, kids problems and so much more. And as we go along stress becomes our partner. Thus begins the hunt to reduce stress. The answer surprisingly lies in your diet. Food is not only necessary for survival, but it can also serve as a way to manage stress.
Ever wonder how Popeye turned superhero the minute he downed a can of spinach? Far from being a cartoon myth, the high vitamin content and magnesium actually serves as an energy booster. A juicy orange is a tasty source of Vitamin C and a host of other nutrients that increases immunity and lowers stress. Vitamin-rich almonds, particularly B and E, are perfect for relieving stress as they instantly amplify energy levels.
Another must-have vegetable, high in vitamin and potassium content, is sweet potato. This starchy vegetable has bulk to keep your tummy full for hours, thus eliminating the need for unhealthy filler treats.
Have you found yourself reaching for the toffee tray when stressed out? Studies have proven eating sweets actually does relieve stress. Though this may be great news for our tongues, the high sugar consumption will do more damage than good in the long run. Thus sweet potato, with its natural sugar content and sweet taste will stave off the craving, literally saving us from ourselves.
Dried apricots are another delicious way to curb that chocolate craving. The magnesium rich fruit relaxes your muscles when you are stressed allowing your body to recuperate into a calm state.
How about an even tastier relaxant- turkey! The amino acid Tryptophan present in turkey produces a calming effect thus reducing stress.
Tryptophan serves as a precursor for serotonin, which helps the body regulate appetite, sleep patterns, and mood. Eating turkey when you’re stressed relaxes your body involuntarily.. Thus the popular Thanksgiving myth that consumption of turkey leads to enhanced sleepiness, is actually not really a myth!
Fish too play their part in deflating a high stress situation. Salmon and white fish literally calm the brain with omega-3 fatty acids. These acids prevent stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline from being produced in large amounts at a time, thus allowing the consumer to be calm and collected in a scenario where he would normally panic!
Butter fruits and walnuts also assist in relieving stress. Complex problems require simple solutions. So just eat right and keep the stress away.
Refer to additional articles written by this writer about topics including GSM mobile phones and camera lanyards.
categories: stress management,health,self help,food,diet,self improvement,advice,research,education,nutrition,fitness,lifestyle,happiness,cooking