5 Superfoods That Reduce Anxiety and Stress
Thanks to the pandemic, anxieties are now a constant in our lives. With an uncertain future looming before us, there’s not much we can do but worry. However, there are little things that can help rein in those emotions and curb anxiety. And food plays a huge role. Garima Goyal, a Ludhiana-based dietitian, says, "Many researches show that some food have properties to act as natural remedies for balancing our emotions and anxieties." She suggests five superfood that you can add to your diet to see an improvement in mood.
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Chamomile Tea: Anti-anxiety properties of chamomile tea comes from the flavonoids represent in the chamomile flower. Garima says, “as you make changes in your diet, always remember that it is important to keep introducing new foods gradually so that you know how your body adjusts to certain foods and allergies. Moreover, remember that food the fuel for your brain. Include these key nutrients or supplements in your diet to curb stress and anxiety.
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Dark Chocolate: It has higher levels of tryptophan content, which is used by our body for making mood enhancing neurotransmitters, like serotonin in our brain. According to studies, consuming small amounts of dark chocolate helps beat stress.
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Turmeric: The spice is used in every Indian household for cooking and has several health benefits. Curcumin is the active ingredient that is found in turmeric which helps fight anxiety by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which lead to mood swings in people.
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Avocados: They are a rich source of Vitamin B which includes— thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. “Vitamin B6 helps in releasing several neurotransmitters from the body, including serotonin, which is called the mood hormone,” says Garima. Avocados are an excellent source of stress relieving B Vitamins and heart healthy fats that have a positive effect on our mood.
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Brazilian nuts: They are rich in selenium, which helps in calming the nervous system, thus balancing the mood. “It also helps in reducing inflammation of the nerves, which is generally seen in people with anxiety,” says Garima. Apart from being rich in selenium, Brazilian nuts are also a great source of Vitamin E, which is effective in treating anxiety.