STRESS BUSTER FOODS
Almonds are full of vitamin E, an antioxidant that strengthens our immune system, and vitamin B, to keep our body under control during stressful situations. Other nuts, such as pistachios and walnuts, help keep your heart from racing. "We experience immediate cardiovascular responses to stress because of the 'fight or flight' response," says Sheila G. West, M.D., associate professor of biobehavioral health at Penn State. A 2007 Penn State study led by Dr. West demonstrated that eating about a handful of pistachios a day lowers blood pressure, which prevents the heart from overworking.
Avocados are packed with healthy monounsaturated fats and potassium to lower blood pressure. Potassium has been proven as one of the most effective ways to ease high blood pressure. Half an avocado has more potassium than a medium-sized banana.
According to Mary Dallman, Ph.D., a professor of physiology at the University of California, San Francisco, the calcium found in skim milk has been shown to reduce muscle spasms and ease anxiety, mood swings and irritability.
Oatmeal contains carbohydrates that cause the brain to produce higher levels of serotonin. Since oatmeal is high in fiber, it takes longer for your stomach to digest, which translates into a more steady flow of serotonin.
The vitamin C found in oranges also reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and lowers levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. "Vitamin C is also a well-known immune system booster," says Amy Jamieson-Petonic, R.D., a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.
Salmon’s omega-3 fatty acids keep cortisol and adrenaline from skyrocketing. Omega-3s have been shown to provide an array of health benefits ranging from protecting against heart disease to preventing cancer. "Eat a three-ounce serving of fish, especially fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, and light tuna, at least twice a week," Jamieson-Petonic says.
Magnesium, found in spinach, lowers stress levels. Not getting enough can cause headaches and fatigue. One cup of spinach contains 40 percent of our daily need for magnesium.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/blog/#ixzz0xY9V6uHu
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/blog/#ixzz0xY9ICmg5
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