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List of Foods that Help Reduce Stress

For many people, it would appear that stress is an accepted part of modern living. If stress continues to mount then it can have catastrophic impact on our health and general well-being. Raised blood pressure, increased risk of heart attack, immunity deficiency and depression are only a few of the results of chronic stress levels. There are no instant cures but it may be helpful to know that there are foods which will reduce stress levels.

List of Foods That Help Reduce Stress and Lower Blood Pressure

Lowering the blood pressure will help the individual feel calmer and more composed and of course will be of great benefit to health generally. There are many foods to be avoided which raise blood pressure but there are also foods that effectively reduce it.

1.) Pistachios – are a natural antioxidant, rich in fiber and contain unsaturated fatty acids, one of the friendly fats that works to reduce blood pressure.

2.) Avocados – a self-contained multi-purpose food which is beneficial for many health reasons. It is particularly good for lowering blood pressure due to its concentration of mono-unsaturated fat.

3.) Fruit and vegetables – everyone knows the five fresh fruit or vegetables a day chant. The essential nutrients potassium, calcium and magnesium are found present in many fruit and vegetables and all have been linked to effectively lowering blood pressure.

4.) Spices and herbs – garlic, oregano and parsley amongst others are thought to help lower blood pressure.

Foods That Reduce Stress by Increasing Serotonin Levels

Serotonin is our body’s feel good hormone. It is what is known as a neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger in the body. Serotonin allows us to to feel happier, get good quality sleep and makes us mentally sharper. All of these things will have a direct affect on reducing stress levels.

There are many foods which contain tryptophane, a serotonin precursor, and including these in your diet will allow the body to produce increased levels of serotonin.

Foods which are rich in tryptophane include:

• Eggs, particularly egg white
• Seeds and nuts, particularly walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds
• Meat, particularly chicken, turkey and beef.  (In order to also adhere to the low blood pressure needs, ensure skin is removed from chicken and only lean cuts of meat are used.)
• Oily fish
• Lower levels of tryptophane can also be found in milk, cheese, fruit and broccoli.

Foods That Help Stress Reduction by Limiting Cortisol Production

Cortisol is a hormone manufactured by the body and often known as the stress hormone. It is a vital hormone in dangerous situation as it is what controls our fight or flight impulses. However, continued high levels will mean high stress.

It is thought that avoiding processed foods and concentrating on whole-grains and fiber will be the best ways to keep cortisol levels low.

Dietary connections with stress levels are as much about avoiding certain foods as they are about eating foods that reduce stress; mainly avoidance of fatty foods and simple carbohydrates. Prolonged periods of high stress levels can have serious health implications and in these cases a medical opinion should always be sought.

This article on the list of foods that help in reducing stress levels written by expert author ‘Deneice Arthurton’.