9 Highly Nutritious Foods to Reduce Stress

Posted by govardhan on March 26th, 2021

If you decided to choose certain healthy foods to reduce stress, we appreciate this healthy step. Stress and anxiety is a widespread condition among people of all the age groups. Whereas elders may have learned different ways to resolve this condition, children and teenagers may be clueless. Thus, we have prepared this article emphasizing healthy eating and healthy foods to reduce stress and anxiety.  

Many may disagree that food habits do impact our mental health. But studies have proven the large-scale impact of food on our mental wellbeing. Various lifestyle changes have an impact on our mental health, with diet being one of the most important factors. If you, too, need some stress-relieving food suggestions, look no more as you have this guide at your fingertips.

Foods to Reduce Stress

1. Herbal Tea: Green tea, matcha, black tea, black coffee, etc. are the best refreshing drinks to boost hormones that stimulate a good mood. It soothes our mind and makes us feel calmer. Studies have shown that sipping warm beverages like these helps increase feelings of “warmth” and “friendliness”. These hot beverages contain nutrients that promote brain health, promote better cognitive function, and good memory power. 

2. Turkey: This meat does not contain a high amount of fat, yet prefer lean cuts of turkey meat if you are on a weight loss process to avoid any extra fat intake. Turkey contains the essential amino acid tryptophan that helps alleviate our mood and relieve stress. It is both fitness and mental health-friendly. You can consume this meat in any meal throughout the day, breakfast or lunch. 

3. Nuts and Seeds: Omega-3 and Omega-6 are essential fatty acids that not only help reduce stress but also speed up the weight-loss process. So, if you are concerned about weight-management, these tiny nuts and legumes are the best pick for you. They contain minimal calories and alleviate mood effectively. Almost all the nuts contain omega-3. Nuts also contain tryptophan that helps increase serotonin levels and improve mental wellbeing. So, add them more often to your meals. Add nuts to your morning cereals, or have a handful of them as a snack.

4. Salmon Fish: Salmon is already well-celebrated for the various nutrients it contributes to our health. Salmon consumption is proven to reduce chronic stress conditions. It contains high-quality omega-3 fatty acids that nourish our overall health and also helps reduce neuroinflammation. 

5. Citrus Fruits: Though all fresh fruits do promote good physical and mental health, citrus fruits contribute some extra points. Citrus fruits contribute a high amount of Vitamin C, a strong antioxidant that improves our immunity power. It may also make you feel refreshed. 

6. Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes contain a highly nutritious, rich carb source that reduces the levels of stress-causing hormones cortisol. This hormone is solely responsible for causing chronic stress issues, inflammation, and other severe issues. Sweet potato is a high-quality carb that contains various other essential nutrients and works effectively in fighting and reducing cortisol levels. 

7. Kimchi: Not only are they good in taste, but they contribute various health benefits. This is the reason kimchi is hugely eaten in the major parts of Asian countries. It is a fermented napa cabbage or daikon food that contains high amounts of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Its consumption, like various other fermented food, helps prevent stress and anxiety issues. It's a probiotic-supplement that people should eat regularly to enhance mental wellbeing. 

8. Animal Organ Meats: Many may not get impressed by this idea, but yes, animal organ meats are highly beneficial for mental wellness. This counts heart, kidney, liver, and maybe other edible parts of animals like hen, goat, and cow. The nutrition list of these foods is vast: Vitamin B, B12, B6, folate, riboflavin, etc., are highly packed in it. Various animal organ meat promotes neurotransmitter productions that help regulate stress.

9. Dark Chocolate: Nutritionists often suggest this food to even people who are on a weight loss journey. The reason is it contains a high amount of good healthy nutrients. Dark chocolates contain high amounts of antioxidants that help lowering stress hormones and reducing stress. However, you should know and buy high-quality dark chocolate to derive its benefits. Read the ingredient list properly to ensure that it contains all the required nutrients.

Hence, food habits can improve and enhance mental health. So, do not compromise with your eating habits and replan your diet with these foods to reduce stress.