Stress is a reaction to any stimulus that disturbs the mental of physical state of the body. A stressful event can trigger hormones like adrenaline and cortisols in the body. Stress can be quite harmful for the body and can be one of the reasons for several heart and life threatening diseases. Acute stress is tolerable and keeps one active and alert. However, chronic stress is not considered good for the body. There are several reasons for chronic stress. Unhealthy lifestyle and unhealthy diet can contribute to chronic stress. Therefore, taking a healthy diet can help to relieve stress in an effective manner. A healthy diet not only relieves stress but also helps to alleviate mood and fight depression.

Including the following foods in the diet can help to relieve stress, manage it and even prevent it. In addition, these foods also help to counteract the damaging effects of stress on the body.

• Bananas: Bananas are full of potassium which is a mineral that helps to relieve tension. Bananas are rich in tryptophan which is an amino acid which helps in the production of serotonin which is the feel good hormone and melatonin which is the sleep hormone. The consumption of bananas pacifies and soothes the mind and thus relieves stress.

• Broccoli and spinach: Broccoli and spinach are green vegetables which are full of vitamins that replenish the body in times of stress. Both these vegetables are rich in magnesium which is a mineral that helps to reduce the stress levels by keeping the mind and the body in a calm state. Both spinach and broccoli are rich in B-complex vitamins which help in relieving stress. These vegetables are rich especially in folic acid that reduces anxiety and panic and thus they help to relieve stress and depression.

• Milk and yogurt: Milk and yogurt contain calcium and B complex vitamins that are essential for bone health and for maintaining healthy nerves. Milk and yogurt also contain tryptophan which is a mood stabilizer amino acid. These foods help to calm the mind and relieve stress.

• Fish: Fish is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that help to keep adrenaline levels in control. This further helps to prevent heart diseases that are associated with stress. Fish also contains B vitamins especially B6 and B12 that help in the production of serotonin which is a feel good chemical. Fish also contains choline which is a great memory booster and thus helps to prevent stress.

• Oranges: Oranges are very rich in Vitamin C which is an anti-oxidant that fights radicals that cause cell damage and even lead to stress. The body does not produce Vitamin C naturally and so food rich in Vitamin C must be included in the diet. Oranges are great stress boosters and even improve the mood. The consumption of oranges ensures that the immune system functions in a better manner under stress.

• Turkey and chicken: Both turkey and chicken are rich in tryptophan which is an amino acid that calms the mind and the body thus helping to reduce stress. Turkey is also a rich source of proteins that stabilize blood sugar levels which in turn relieves stress.

• Blueberries: Blueberries are full on anti-oxidants especially Vitamin C which relives stress significantly. The anti-oxidants in blueberries fight free radicals that cause oxidative stress and damage of the cells. The consumption of blueberries also helps the body to fight the damaging effects of stress.

• Nuts: Nuts are perhaps the best stress relievers that one can consume. Nuts contain tryptophan which stimulates the production of serotonin or the feel happy chemical in the brain and thus nuts help to relieve stress. Nuts also contain B vitamins, Vitamin E, magnesium and zinc. B vitamins and magnesium help to calm the nerves and thus boost ones mood and relieve stress. Zinc fights the negative and damaging effects of stress on the body. Vitamin E is an anti-oxidant which fights free radicals related to stress.

• Dried apricots: Dried apricots are rich in magnesium which is a natural stress reliever. Magnesium helps to relax muscles of the body and so relieves stress. Dried apricots also provide the body with Vitamin C which fights free radicals that cause stress and heart diseases.
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