I know people who grab sugary snacks, fried food or just about anything out of a packet at the slightest hint of stress. It might calm them down for just a bit. But I’m sure you already know that it’s not the best thing to do.
Stress can be reduced in many ways. Planning ahead, practicing breathing exercises and meditation, maintaining good health etc. But, did you know that stress can also be overcome by including certain types of food in your diet?
Here are a few foods that are proven to reduce stress
- Dark Chocolate
Chocolate is not all bad. Dark chocolate when consumed in small amounts has a positive effect on your mind. Its slightly bitter, sweet taste brings about a calmness that drives away any stress you’ve been feeling.
Dark chocolate is made of some components that increases blood flow to the brain and help the brain to regulate your mood.
Taking this to heart and gobbling up chocolate is also not the right thing to do. Chocolate having 70% and above of cocoa content is what you need to look for. Most of the chocolates you find in your pantry will have much less cocoa content and are not good for you.
- Chickpeas
Chickpeas taste wonderful be it in hummus or in tangy, spicy chaats. They have a rounded taste and make you feel satisfied. That’s why they are a great snack to turn to when you feel hungry between meals.
An added advantage that has been pointed out is that legumes and plant proteins are associated with better mental wellbeing.
Chickpeas also have an amino acid called tryptophan. This component improves the functioning of your mind and also helps in sleeping better. Better quality sleep leads to lowering your stress levels.
- Green Tea
A cup of green tea is no less than a magic potion. Packed with antioxidants and all kinds of good things, it is definitely the tea your body will thank you for drinking.
While green tea is linked to anti-aging, preventing cancers and even helping in recovery from stroke and heart disease, what is not widely known is that it has a huge impact on your mental health as well.
Some of the chemicals which are present in green tea are widely used to treat psychiatric conditions. The same chemicals are also responsible for enhancing your mood.
So, go ahead. Start your day with a cup of green tea and you are bound to have a more smooth and manageable day!
- Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are termed to be super foods. They are rich in fibre and help in keeping your digestive system in order. What you might not know is that they are also rich in antioxidants. This property of sweet potato makes it a champion of foods that are good for your brain.
Include sweet potatoes in your diet by replacing them with potatoes. Sweet potato chips, sweet potato parathas, sweet potato wedges, the possibilities are endless.
Try them and be at peace, both gut and mind wise.
- Curd
Everyone knows that curd has good bacteria. And that is good for our gut and having curd improves our digestion system. But, did you know that good bacteria are also connected to positive mental health?
Well, it’s true.
Not just curd, but in general, fermented foods are linked to better management of anxiety, worry and stress. So, go ahead, grab that bowl of curd and smile! ?
- Garlic
Garlic- A simple, sober-looking ingredient that packs a punch! The strong flavour that garlic brings is because of the sulphur content it has. This component fights off anxiety and thereby, reduces stress levels.
Garlic is so powerful that it is supposed to have properties that can even end depression and severe mental illnesses.
So, have a free hand while cooking and put in lots of garlic to make your food and mind more flavourful.
Those are some of the best foods that you can include in your diet to keep stress at bay.
Stress is something that you bring upon yourself. It does not help you think clearly or function well. And, that leads to more stress. Apart from diet, focus on your lifestyle and make choices that can help you destress. Spend time with friends, read a book, listen to peaceful music and practice techniques that can pull you away from any stress you might be feeling.
Do yourself and your loved ones a favour by putting an end to your stress. Happy living!
Ayu Health keeps you stress-free when you need medical attention. The fixed health packages, support from Ayu Mitr to book appointments, consult experienced doctors and have a smooth hospital visit, everything is aimed at keeping you stress-free. To book an appointment, call 080 69489584 or visit www.ayu.health.
Our Hospital Locations
General Surgery Hospitals in Chandigarh | General Surgery Hospitals in Bangalore | General Surgery Hospitals in Jaipur | General Surgery Hospitals in NCR | General Surgery Hospitals in Hyderabad
Our Doctors
General Surgery Doctors in Chandigarh | General Surgery Doctors in Bangalore | General Surgery Doctors in Jaipur | General Surgery Doctors in NCR | General Surgery Doctors in Hyderabad