Eating Your Stress Away
Not to be confused with stress eating, did you know you can physically eat your way to a stress-free life?
That's right. A diet rich in antioxidants and polyphenols (the good stuff you get from drinking red wine and green tea) can help you reduce overall mental and physical stress your body endures on a daily basis.
Your best bet is to stock up on polyphenol-rich foods, which are packed with powerful disease-fighting antioxidants like the ones we've listed below:
Avocados: Loaded with
B vitamins, this fruit can help keep your nerves and brain cells functioning normally. When your brain has the nutrients it needs, it remains calm and is able to think much clearer and keeps you from feeling scatter-brained throughout the day.
Berries (any kind): These little gems are not only delicious, but the deep, beautiful colors provided on their exterior help to sweep away free radicals, the cell-damaging molecules that cause our bodies to age.
Oranges: Vitamin C is the most prominent vitamin found in oranges. Coincidentally, it's also the most important vitamin needed to keep our adrenal glands functioning optimally. Research shows that those who take vitamin C on a daily basis have reported lower levels of cortisol and blood pressure levels, than those who do not take vitamin C. Get to peeling and get your C on!
Salmon: DHA is an essential fatty acid found in fish, like salmon. For centuries now, DHA is proven to be an incredible anti-inflammatory and mood-booster. If you aren't able to get enough fish in your diet, be sure you're supplementing with a
high-quality fish oil.
So tell us! What are some of your favorite antioxidant-packed foods you incorporate into your diet?
