Stress is classified as the disease of the 21st century. More and more people complain that they are stressed and unable to cope with everyday tasks. Some end up having anxiety attacks, and others even resort to self-medication. Doctor Adina Alberts says there are several foods that relieve anxiety.
The full list presented by the doctor:
Find out what are the top 6 anti-stress foods and enjoy an anxiety-free life.
1. Cocoa. You probably didn’t know, but cocoa beans are truly a miracle food for your mental health. Dark chocolate rich in cocoa, from 75% content upwards, helps reduce stress levels and control hormonal activity. Rich in polyphenols, especially flavonoids, dark chocolate stimulates attention and reduces perceived stress levels. It is also a source of magnesium, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. Dark chocolate is also high in tryptophan, which the body uses to make mood-enhancing neurotransmitters like serotonin in the brain.
2. Avocados. The delicious avocado has some valuable properties for reducing stress. This is among the foods that lead the list of multi-tasking when it comes to the human body. The heart is the first to benefit from avocados, but brain activity is also supported by this food. Avocado is a rich source of vitamins, potassium, folate, fiber and other nutrients, being one of the fruits with the most properties and can drive away anxiety, thanks to the amount of vitamins and potassium that regulate the stress level in the body.
3. Brown rice contains carbohydrates that trigger the secretion of serotonin and norepinephrine, improving mood and triggering physical and mental energy. Sprouted brown rice provides antidepressant qualities and helps fight anxiety-related disorders. Studies have shown that sprouted brown rice contains essential amino acids such as glutamine, glycerin and GABA. These neurotransmitters facilitate a reduction in anxiety, depression and stress in the brain, resulting in a state of relaxation.
4. Fruits and vegetables. Studies have shown that there is a link between anxiety and low levels of antioxidants in the body. Including foods rich in these substances in your diet can relieve some anxiety symptoms. In addition to berries (raspberries, blueberries, currants, blackberries, etc.), antioxidants are found in large quantities in red beans, beets, artichokes, ginger, apples, plums, cherries, pecans, spinach, etc.
5. Pumpkin/Sunflower seeds. Pumpkin and sunflower seeds contain antioxidants that protect the brain from free radical damage. They are rich in vitamin E (supports cognitive performance and reduces the risk of dementia) and thiamine. The seeds are sources of magnesium, essential for learning and memory. Magnesium deficiency is linked to the onset of neurological disorders, migraines, depression, epilepsy), iron (brain function is affected), zinc (deficiency is linked to neurological disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, Parkinson’s disease) and copper (deficiency leads to increased the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease).
6. Curcumin. It also prevents the low levels of serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine that tend to represent symptoms of depression. Research also shows that curcumin extract promotes neurogenesis – the formation of neural cells – especially in the frontal cortex and hippocampus regions of the brain, which means that this extract may be an innovative psychological treatment for depression and several cognitive conditions. Curcumin reduces inflammatory markers in the bloodstream traveling to the brain.
