While it's difficult to prevent occasional bouts of stress, persistent stress can have a significant impact on your physical and emotional well-being. In fact, it may raise your chances of developing heart disease or depression.

Surprisingly, certain foods and beverages may offer anti-stress properties.

Here are 18 foods and beverages to include in your stress-relieving diet.

1. Matcha

Stress is a normal part of life, especially when looking for quality restaurant equipment for your new business. This vibrant green tea powder is famous among health nuts because of its high concentration of L-theanine, a non-protein amino acid with excellent stress-relieving properties.

Matcha has more of this amino acid than other types of green tea since it is obtained from green tea leaves bred in the shade. As a result of this process, certain molecules, such as L-theanine, are elevated.

When the L-theanine content is large enough and the caffeine level is low, matcha has been demonstrated to reduce stress in both human and animal studies.

In one study, 36 participants consumed 4.5 grams of matcha powder every day for 15 days. They had significantly decreased activity of the stress marker salivary alpha-amylase when compared to a placebo group.

2. Sweet Potatoes

Cortisol levels may be reduced by eating rich, nutrient-dense carbohydrate foods like sweet potatoes.

Even though cortisol levels are tightly managed, chronic stress can cause cortisol dysregulation, which can lead to inflammation, discomfort, and other unpleasant consequences.

According to an 8-week study of women with excess weight or obesity, those who ate a diet plentiful in whole, nutrient-packed carbs had significantly lower levels of salivary cortisol than those who ate a traditional American diet high in refined carbs.

Sweet potatoes are a full food that can be used as a carbohydrate source. They're high in minerals like vitamin C and potassium, which are vital for stress response.

3. Kimchi

Kimchi is a traditional Korean fermented vegetable dish prepared from napa cabbage and daikon radish. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants abound in fermented foods like kimchi, as well as beneficial microorganisms known as probiotics.

Studies have indicated that fermented foods can help with stress and anxiety relief. In a study of 710 young adults, individuals who consumed fermented foods were found to have lower symptoms of social anxiety.

Probiotic pills and probiotic-rich foods like kimchi have been shown in numerous trials to improve mental wellness. This is most likely due to their interplay with the bacteria in your gut, which have a direct impact on your mood.

4. Eggs

Because of their amazing nutrient profile, eggs are often referred to as nature's multivitamin. Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants included in whole eggs are essential for a balanced stress response.

Choline, a vitamin present in substantial amounts in only a few foods, is notably abundant in whole eggs. Choline has been shown to be useful to brain health and may even protect against stress.

Choline supplements have been determined in animal research to help with stress management and mood enhancement.

5. Artichokes

Artichokes are a fiber-packed food with a high density of prebiotics, a type of fiber that nourishes the good bacteria in your stomach.

Prebiotics like fructooligosaccharides, which are abundant in artichokes, have been shown in animal tests to help lower stress levels.

Furthermore, one study found that persons who consumed 5 grams or more of prebiotics per day had reduced anxiety and depression symptoms. Thus, high-quality, prebiotic-rich diets may mitigate stress.

Potassium, magnesium, and vitamins C and K are all important for a healthy stress response, and artichokes are high in all of them.

6. Garlic

Garlic is high in sulfur compounds, which aid glutathione levels to rise. This antioxidant is an important component of your body's stress defense system.

Furthermore, animal studies suggest that garlic aids in stress reduction and the reduction of anxiety and depression symptoms. More human research is still required.

Having a balanced diet is critical, not only to your physical health but your mental health as well. Try some of these foods to help reduce your stress. 

Add This Entry To Your CureZone Favorites!