6 Foods That Can Be Stress Relievers

For most grabbing a plate of fries or eating a scoop of ice-cream has been the best stress buster to get over a bad day at work or home. Emotional eating is when a person tries to combat anxiety, anger, fear or frustration by binging on foods which are high on calorie and sugar. This leads to a temporary relief but have long term unhealthy effects.

How Does Stress Trigger Hunger?

A hormone called ‘cortisol’ is released into the blood stream when stress level increases.

“Cortisol makes one hungrier as the body needs energy to battle with the stress. This leads to binge eating, eventually increasing your body weight and making you unhealthy,” points out Nutrition and Diet expert Shreya Katyal. Ms Katyal further points out that cortisol is responsible for disrupting an individual’s eating pattern as food helps in diverting an individual’s attention from stress, but only in the short term.

Stress and comfort food goes hand-in-hand. People need to understand food will not solve anything, adds Ms Katyal.

Also Read: Combating Depression: 5 Unhealthy Habits To Avoid

Foods To Beat Stress

Ms Katyal lists out the foods that not only improve mood and help fight stress, but also help in enhancing mental and physical health.

1)      Desserts

Though there is a popular belief that desserts can lead to weight gain for its high sugar content, eating them in proportions have never harmed anyone.  Ms Katyal believes in, “Stressed spelt backwards is desserts” mantra. To keep the ill-effects of desserts in check Ms Katyal recommends eating two pieces from a chocolate bar or skipping a meal to consume a dessert. Desserts help in boosting energy levels in the body.

2)      Chamomile Tea

Chamomile Tea or often known as ‘anti-depressant’ helps in relaxing muscles and smoothens the blood flow in the body. It also helps people suffering from insomnia, which is caused when the stress or anxiety levels increase. Because of its natural ingredients, it is free from any kind of side effects.

3)      Milk

A protein called lactium, found in milk is the latest soldier to help you in your battle against stress. This protein has a calming effect on the body, lowers blood pressure and reduces the cortisol levels. A glass of milk before going to bed induces sleep; and a sound sleep helps keep stress levels in check.

4)      Colourful Fruits

“When a person is in distress, he tends to lose his will to eat,” says Ms Katyal. Colourful fruits, with its visual appeal, may help control the tendency to skip eating when in stress. Besides, fruits are the most natural way to ensure the body has sufficient protein, vitamins and fibre content.

5)      Green Cardamom

Elaichi or green cardamom helps in normalising acid levels and calms the nervous system. It is known to cleanse the system and rejuvenate body cells which in turns helps in dealing with stress.

6)      Raw Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant which helps in repairing damaged brain cells and reduce stress. Consuming tomatoes has a soothing effect on nerves, lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

(About The Expert: Shreya Katyal, Nutritionist, Dietician and Founder of Health & U

Dietician Shreya Katyal aims at lifestyle modification to motivate everyone towards a healthier version of ‘themselves.’ With a diploma degree in Dietetics, Nutrition and Health she has been practicing this for many years now.)

Also Read: Battling Depression: The Symptoms and Cures