10 TOP FOOD ITEMS THAT HELP FIGHT STRESS AND DEPRESSION

Stress and depression can manifest in numerous ways, like having a long day at  work, a financial crisis, or sour relationship.   However, you can manage this situation by insulating yourself with anti-stress and anti-depression food items.  These are nutritious foods that have calming properties. Ten of them are discussed below.

1. Fruits and Vegetables

Studies have shown that fruits and vegetables, like spinach, and asparagus help the body to produce substances, that help people calm nerves.  They are rich in folate.  It is reported that people who eat folate in high quantity had a lower risk of stress than those who do not.

2. Avocados

Nutrition experts recommend avocados as another stress-proof food for the body.  It is rich in a substance called glutathione, that enhances the effective functioning of the intestines.  It’s good taking with sandwiches.

3. Berries

All berries contain vitamin C, which has been shown to assist in fighting stress. Those who take vitamin C had reported lower blood pressure and lower levels of the stress hormone, called cortisol.

5/14

4. Cashews

Cashew nuts are known to produce nutrients useful to the body in many respects.  This includes zinc that is known to reduce both anxiety and depression. Since our bodies have no way of storing zinc, Cashew nuts present a better alternative to make a pleasant mood.

6/14

5. Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea is an effective bedtime soother. It reduces significantly incidence of stress symptoms, as it gives a warm, and calm feeling as well as promoting sleep.

6. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a comfort food that causes the brain to produce serotonin, a chemical, that creates a soothing feeling that helps one to overcome stress. Studies have shown that children who eat oatmeal for breakfast stay sharper throughout the morning.

7.    Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are full of beta-carotene, a nutrient that is also obtainable from pumpkin, carrots, and cantaloupe. Studies have linked this nutrient to lower levels of stress and depression.

8. Turkey

Turkey, has the protein building-block tryptophan, which your body uses to make serotonin, an anti-depressant brain chemical. Chicken also produces the same mood-boosting effect.

9.    Clams and Mussels

These seafoods are a good source of B-12, like milk and eggs. Some studies say that people with good levels of this vitamin are more likely to be far from depression, and stress.

10.          Salmon

This fish is high in polyunsaturated fats. Researchers believe that these can help you fight stress and depression. One type of these fats, called omega-3 fatty acids, may help brain cells use chemicals that can affect your mood. Studies show that people who have higher levels of omega-3s are more immune to mood disorder than those who do not.