During stressful times, such as finals season, there are several foods that can aid in lowering stress levels. CNN contributor Lindsay Funston lists some examples of “stress-relieving superfoods” that would be beneficial for college students to work into their diets for the remaining two weeks of school.
One stress-relieving snack is pistachios.
The rhythmic movement of cracking open the shell is shown to help you relax, while also slowing down your rate of eating, making pistachios a diet-friendly snack.
Pistachios also have a positive effect on your heart, proving to help lower blood pressure and heart rate.
Another food full of stress-reducing antioxidants are blueberries.
Blueberries help to increase the level of natural killer cells in your body, which are a type of white blood cell that are important in your body’s immune function.
One serving of salmon contains enough of one’s daily intake of omega 3 fatty acids, which has anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.
Or, if you are looking for a quick stress reliever, eating yogurt can help to calm your stomach when you become nervous or stressed.
Yogurt contains probiotics which restore the natural flora of bacteria that has been damaged by stress.
Yogurt is also a great source of calcium and protein that can be added to your diet.
Dark chocolate can also be a great stress reducer because the cocoa contains antioxidants that cause the walls of your blood vessels to relax, which lowers your blood pressure and can improve circulation.
Dark chocolate even contains natural substances that can create a sense of euphoria.
Although there are more options than the ones listed above that have stress-reducing effects, being conscious of one’s diet during periods of high stress is important.
Next time you veer toward the ice cream freezer, turn the corner and opt for a yogurt instead.
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