STRESS BUSTERS!

Many of us have a tendency to reach for unhealthy comfort food when stressed or depressed, but some foods really can help relieve stress and anxiety. It’s a win-win proposition, because not do these foods help combat stress, which in turn may improve heart health, but many of these foods are also known to have a more direct effect on heart health.

TOP 9 STRESS- FIGHTERS:

1. SPINACH

Spinach contains magnesium, which helps improve your body’s response to stress and may prevent migraine headaches.

2.  ASPARAGUS

Asparagus is a good source of folic acid, which produces serotonin and helps stabilize mood.

3.  MUTTON/BEEF

Helps stabilize mood by supplying zinc, iron, and B vitamins.

4.  DAIRY PRODUCTS

Milk & Milk Products, including skim milk, is high in antioxidants and vitamins B2 and B12 and also provides protein and calcium, which can reduce muscle spasms and tension and soothe PMS.

5. NUTS & SEEDS

Nuts and seeds are good stress-fighting snacks. In addition to containing vitamin B12, magnesium, and zinc, almonds also provide vitamin E, which, like vitamin C, fights stress-related free radicals that cause heart disease. Walnuts and pistachios are known to lower blood pressure. Sunflower seeds include folate, which helps produce dopamine, a pleasure-inducing brain chemical.

6. FRUITS

Fruits such as oranges and gooseberries (amla) contain vitamin C, which fight cancer-causing free radicals. Blueberries counteract the effect of hormones such as cortisol (“stress hormone”), and bananas provide potassium, which lowers blood pressure.

7.  FISH

Fish containing omega-3 fatty acids, such as mackerel, can boost serotonin levels and limit the production of anxiety hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.

8). AVOCADOS

Avocados are a good source of monounsaturated fat and potassium, which lower blood pressure.

9. CEREALS

Oats, corn flakes, rice offer B vitamins and folic acid, which reduce stress. Have a bowl of whole-grain cereal with milk for a stress-fighting breakfast.

 

THE EVIL FORCE:

The following are foods that trigger/ worsen Stress:-

1. CAFFEINE

Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate, can cause anxiety and raise stress hormone levels.

2.  SUGAR

Sugar causes spikes in blood glucose levels and increases insulin. This affects your adrenal glands, which regulate stress hormones and help the thyroid regulate body weight.

3. TRANS FATTY ACIDS

Trans fatty acids such as hydrogenated vegetable oil are found in many baked goods and can hinder the immune system and increase the risk of heart disease.

4. ALCOHOL

Alcohol puts more sugar in the body, and excessive consumption can damage the adrenal glands.







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