. Turkey contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid that triggers serotonin release, a hormone that is important for regulating sleep and mood. Cashews on the other hand, are loaded with zinc, a mineral that helps our body combat stress.
Eating when you’re stressed is completely normal and it most certainly isn’t the sign of some sort of disorder. In fact, our grandparents would often find themselves diving into recreations of their mother’s pot pie or chicken soup every time they felt a little on edge.
But while the habit of eating to beat anxiety pangs hasn’t changed, the type of food that people identify with as “comfort food” certainly has. Previous generations sought solace in foods that were prepared by their caregivers because the person who cooked it made them feel safe. Today’s millennials, however, find themselves reaching out for tubs of ice creams, huge slices of fatty pizza, or a big bowl of mac ‘n cheese. These foods have the ability to signal changes to the neurological dopamine reward system that gives us a “happy high.” This explains why we keep turning to them in spite of knowing that they can trigger insulin resistance, cause our cholesterol levels to spike and contribute to conditions like liver failure, diabetes, and heart disease.
Don’t worry, we’re not here to tell you to not comfort-eat; we know that’s the last thing you want to hear when you’re stressed. But can we convince you to swap those high-sugar, high-fatty quick fixes that will leave you feeling worse later for something more healthy that will do the job just as well? Maybe.
Here are 5 delicious foods that have been scientifically proven to cure stress and panic attacks that you’re better off eating.
- Avocado
The combination of monounsaturated fatty acids and potassium in avocados helps alleviate stress.
Avocados get a very bad reputation for being high in fat. But what people don’t know is that these are “good” fats – the monounsaturated kind that’s great for your health. This, paired with the high levels of potassium in avocados is what gives this fruit its ability to lower your blood pressure levels and thus, beat stress.1
Research shows that one of the best ways to bring down your blood pressure levels is to eat foods that are rich in potassium, and avocados are jam-packed with this essential mineral! 2 3
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- Blueberries
Blueberries are high in antioxidants and phytonutrients that fight off cellular oxidative stress.
Each time you feel stressed, know that it’s an extension of a battle that’s being fought inside you. Blueberries are high in antioxidants and phytonutrients that basically fight in your defense. They reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and thus help improve your body’s defense mechanism.
Research shows that wild blueberries were significantly helpful in reducing the development of systemic inflammation and prevent the progression of chronic hypertension in mice, whose genetic makeup is very similar to that of us humans.