Published By: K.D Cameron

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Stress is all around us. At the workplace, in the street, sometimes even at home. The modern world is dynamic, moving at high-speed and many of us often feel tired and lacking energy. Sport and food supplementation can definitely energise you. But you should know that what you eat is not less important. There are some foods which fight stress naturally. Do you know which they are? Let’s see.

1. Oat flakes.

Very often when we feel under pressure we start looking for wholegrain foods quite intuitively. Why is it so? Because they have high content of carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates, in turn, help the body produce serotonin, a hormone which naturally fights the adverse effects of stress. But don’t look for the simple carbohydrates, for instance the ones found in ordinary bread. Instead, opt for the carbohydrates of oat flakes. A bowl of oatmeal will give you the healthy fibres which will make you feel full longer.

2. Avocado

The favourite to many people green, fleshy and full of healthy fats fruit is one of the best natural foods for combatting stress.

Avocados are rich in glutamine, a substance which specifically blocks the intestinal absorption of some fats that cause oxidative damage.

Avocadoes also contain lutein, beta-carotene, Vitamin E, folic acid and many other healthy components.

Furthermore, this fruit is full of B vitamins which naturally promote the energy in the human body.

3. Salmon

In addition to supplying the body with the healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, salmon may help your body deal with stress.

Omega-3 fatty acids increase serotonin levels the same way oatmeal carbohydrates do. A diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids may suppress your feeling of anxiety caused by hormones such as cortisol.

Besides salmon, other fish such as trout, herring and anchovies produce the same effect.

4. Black tea

Another powerful means to block the cortisol hormone. Black tea is known for its calming and relaxing effect. It combats stress and is also a very pleasant drink, which has been used for ages. Black tea will not only help you get rid of the unpleasant feeling of stress and anxiety, but will help you improve your memory and fight headache.

5. Forest fruits

Forest fruits are a type of food which helps reduce stress. All forest fruits. Have you noticed it? Replace your desserts with fruits – fruits are a natural dessert coming straight from Mother Nature!

Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries – all of them have a high content of Vitamin C, the natural stress fighter. What is more, forest fruits lower blood pressure and block cortisol – the hormone which causes stress. Blueberries in particular have a high content of anthocyanin – a special type of oxidant which enhances the cognitive function and mental energy.

6. Nuts and seeds

One of the healthiest foods. Even if you are not fighting stress in particular, you need to add nuts and seeds to your diet on a regular basis.

And the good news is that these foods kill pressure. Cashew is a natural source of zinc. Low zinc levels in the body are strongly linked to the feeling of anxiety and stress. Walnuts may help you lower your blood pressure. And seeds, such as sunflower seeds, supply folic acid which helps your body produce, the pleasure hormone.

7. Black Chocolate

Black chocolate is probably Mother Nature’s biggest gift. It is not so harmful to the teeth, it is not an enemy to your healthy diet and, among other things, it is a wonderful means to fight stress.

Black chocolate also helps lower blood pressure and contains more antioxidant polyphenols and flavonoids than some highly praised fruit juices.

Here is a neat and concise list of foods you should always have at hand in order to combat stress. Keep forest fruits in the freezer, always have oat flakes, a piece of black chocolate and walnuts in the cupboard, cook salmon at least once a week and you will always feel fit and well!