There are several foods that can help reduce stress, as they contain essential nutrients for mental and physical well-being.
- Fruits and vegetables: Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach and broccoli, are rich in folic acid, an important nutrient for brain health. In addition, citrus fruits, such as lemon and orange, are rich in vitamin C, which helps reduce stress.
- Proteins: Protein-rich foods, such as meat, fish, eggs, and legumes, are essential for the production of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals in the brain that help regulate mood.
- Healthy fats: We find them in nuts, seeds and olive oil. They are important for brain development and function and may also help reduce stress by improving nervous system function.
- Complex carbohydrates: Foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, provide the body with energy and help regulate blood sugar levels, thereby reducing stress by preventing spikes and crashes in blood sugar.
It is also important to avoid processed foods, refined sugars, and caffeine. These can increase stress rather than decrease it.
