7 foods to relieve stress

Not coping? When life is spiralling out of control, it is easy to neglect your body by fuelling up on junk foods or eating on the run.  However, when you are stressed out your body needs its vitamins and minerals more than ever to function at its best. Eat your way calm (literally) with these ten foods that relieve stress. They will not only boost your overall energy and help you to keep your cool; they’ll also counteract the damaging effects of stress on your body.

“it is easy to neglect your body by fuelling up on junk foods or eating on the run."

1) Bananas

Bananas are filled with potassium, a mineral that can help reduce tension. Bananas are also great in pacifying and soothing the mind as they are rich in tryptophan, an amino acid which boosts the formation of serotonin (the feel-good hormone) and melatonin (the sleep hormone).

2) Spinach and broccoli

Dark green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli are powerhouses of vitamins that help replenish our bodies in times of stress. Both spinach and broccoli are a great source of magnesium, a mineral that helps lower your stress level by keeping you in a calm state. They are also rich in stress-relieving B vitamins, especially folic acid which helps relieve stress, anxiety, panic and even depression.

3) Nuts

Nuts are great stress relievers. They are a rich source of the serotonin-booster tryptophan and packed with B vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium and zinc. The B-vitamins and magnesium regulate mood and relieve stress by boosting serotonin, whereas zinc has been shown to fight some of the negative effects of stress. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that destroys the free radicals related to stress and heart disease.

4) Blueberries

Blueberries are crammed with antioxidants, especially vitamin C which has been shown to give the body added reserves to help it cope with high levels of stress. Antioxidants fight free radicals that damage your cells and also help to repair and protect your body from the effects of stress.

5) Oranges

Oranges and other citrus fruit are well-known for their high levels of vitamin C. Stress can delete your storage of vitamin C. As your body does not produce the vitamin naturally, it is important to fuel up with vitamin C rich foods to help your immune system function more efficiently under stress. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant – it helps to keep free radicals in check and to repair the body.

6) Dried apricots

Dried apricots are rich in the mineral magnesium, a natural stress-buster. Magnesium is essential for healthy nerve health and helps to relax your muscles. It is even said to help reduce heart palpitations brought on by stress. Apricots are also a good source of vitamin C which helps to boost your immune system.

7) Whole grains

Whole grains are a great source of the vitamin B-complex (especially the anti-stress vitamin pantothenic acid), minerals (such as the soothing magnesium, potassium and calcium), protein and, of course, fibre. All these compounds relieve stress and anxiety while simultaneously improving concentration. Whole grains also supply serotonin-producing carbohydrates that have a calming, soothing effect, while also sustaining energy levels (by keeping your blood sugar levels stable).#rawfood #healthylife #dream #summer).

#Stress #HealthyLiving

http://health365.com.au/articles/stress-mood-anxiety/10-foods-that-relieve-stress