Top 7 Stress-Busting Foods

The start of a New Year can be a stressful time, what with credit cards that need to be paid down and not to mention the pressure to stay on track with New Years resolutions. As much as we may joke about our stress level, we should be concerned about the possible impact stress can have on the body. Many studies link stress to everything from depression and digestive problems to stroke!

In addition to practicing regular relaxation techniques to help you de-stress, consider adding the following foods to your diet;

1. Tea: Drank world wide, tea is frequently used as a relaxation aid, which is why black tea is thought to be an effective stress buster. According to a study by the University of Central London, drinking black tea lowers stress hormone levels. Just 50 minutes after a high stress event, tea drinkers, who had drank 4 cups of black tea daily for a month, had a 20% greater drop in cortisol than the placebo group.  Cortisol is known as the stress hormone that in response to stress increases blood pressure and blood sugar and can also make us more susceptible  to disease. Conversely, coffee actually increases cortisol levels.

2. Pistachios: A Penn State study found that pistachio’s  reduced the stress effects on blood pressure. Stress hormones cause blood pressure to rise but a diet that incorporates Pistachio’s can actually lower blood pressure  by as much as 10%.

3. Garlic: Known for its blood thinning effects, garlic can help prevent the blood from clotting. When digested, garlic’s main ingredient creates a chemical reaction that relaxes blood vessels and encourages blood flow, helping to lower stress levels. It’s this reaction that makes garlic good for the heart and the brain.

4. Complex Carbs: High fiber, complex carbohydrates such as whole wheat breads and whole grain cereals, are digested slowly which makes them particularly good for keeping blood sugar stable and controlled, thus reducing stress.

5. Asparagus: This delicious green vegetable is high in folic acid, a nutrient known for its ability to stabilize mood. Getting enough folic acid and B vitamins will help keep you in a better frame of mind thanks to the serotonin they produce.

6. Almonds: If you’re inclined to reach for a bowl of candy when you’re stressed, try keeping a bowl of almonds at the ready to satisfy your sweet tooth and lower your stress level. Almonds are high in B vitamins, zinc and vitamin E, which may all help reduce stress. They are also a good source of antioxidants and good fats.

7. Milk: If you find it difficult to shut your mind off at night, a glass of warm milk could really help. The calcium in milk is the perfect remedy for anxiety and stress. When drank at night, the calcium and vitamin  B2 found in milk actually help to reduce muscle spasms and soothe a restless body.