Best anti-stress foods

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Extract from the article: In small doses, stress can be stimulating. But when it takes hold over time, it can have serious consequences for physical and mental health. As the body draws on its reserves to cope with stress, it becomes depleted and more vulnerable. In addition

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In small doses, stress can be stimulating. But when it takes hold over time, it can have serious consequences for physical and mental health. As the body draws on its reserves to cope with stress, it becomes depleted and more vulnerable. In addition to drug treatments and breathing exercises, there's another natural way to prevent it: diet. Here's what to eat to combat stress and anxiety.

Everyday stress can affect anyone. Did you know that a healthy diet can help combat this stress? Certainly, a varied and balanced diet promotes relaxation while providing nutrients beneficial to the nervous system.  In fact, 95% of serotonin, the hormone linked to mood and happiness, is found in the belly, not the brain. Serotonin is produced in the digestive system. Here are a few foods to help you fight stress.

Oily fish

Anti-stress foods include fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, trout, herring and sardines. They are rich in omega-3s, essential fatty acids and sources of vitamins (A, D, B and B12). They limit the rate of secretion of cortisol, the hormone responsible for stress, produced by the adrenal glands.

Dark chocolate

Thanks to its high magnesium content (approx. 200 mg per 100 g), a mineral that helps maintain the proper functioning of the nervous system, dark chocolate helps chase away stress. Eating one or two squares is more than enough to feel the effects. It also contains theanine, an amino acid with a relaxing effect. This acid increases levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and emotion.

Bananas

Another favourite food for anxiety and fatigue is the banana. As well as being an excellent source of energy, this fruit is rich in vitamins, particularly B vitamins, which are essential for the nervous system. It is also rich in various minerals, such as magnesium and potassium, a vital mineral that helps prevent heart rhythm disorders, which tend to accelerate under stress. Finally, bananas contain tryptophan, an amino acid from which the body secretes serotonin.

Oilseeds

Rich in iron and fiber, oleaginous fruits are also valuable allies. Eating a small handful a day of walnuts, almonds, cashews or hazelnuts helps limit the harmful effects of stress. They contain not only omega-3s, but also proteins, magnesium and potassium, and are sources of vitamins A, B and E. The perfect cocktail of nutrients for coping with daily anxieties and stabilizing the mood.

Eggs

Eggs are rich in tryptophan, an amino acid renowned for its antidepressant action. This acid provides a feeling of calm, but is not produced by the body. This is why it must be supplied by the diet.  Eggs also contain vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 regulates mood, helping the body to combat depression, stress and anxiety. This is achieved by promoting the secretion of neurotransmitters such as serotonin.

Avocado

Avocados sometimes get a bad reputation because of their high fat content, but it would be a mistake to banish them completely from your plate. This fruit contains two powerful anti-stress substances: monounsaturated fatty acids, or omega-9s, and potassium. It is also rich in vitamin B5. Also known as the « anti-stress vitamin », it acts on the nervous system and adrenal glands.

Recipe: 100 g fresh pineapple flesh, a piece of fresh ginger (or a teaspoon of ginger powder), 325 mL water, 02 lemons. Peel pineapple and cut flesh into pieces. Peel and chop ginger into small pieces. Blend the pineapple and ginger in a blender.  Add water and blend again. Filter the drink. Add lemon juice and blend. Chill before serving.

William O.