Amazing Foods That Help Relieve Stress

Stress eating is a pretty common phenomenon-- when people begin to experience the symptoms of anxiety or depression, many of them feel compelled to snack. After all, who hasn't heard jokes about polishing off a pint of ice cream after a breakup? While junk food isn't the best way to manage stress, there are some foods that can actually help you combat it. Before you reach for junk food, consider giving one of these natural stress fighters a try.

Berries

Berries pack a lot of stress-fighting nutrients into a tiny, delicious, easy-to-eat package. They're a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which help protect the body from inflammation and free radical damage during times of stress. Vitamin C also helps the body flush out cortisol, a stress hormone, and improves immune activity.

Though all berries are a good source of antioxidants, darker berries, like elderberries or black currants, typically contain up to fifty percent more antioxidant flavonoids than other species. Eat berries by the handful, try blending them into smoothies, or add them to yogurt, cereal, or salad.

Avocado

Avocado is an abundant source of potassium, a mineral crucial to helping maintain healthy blood pressure. They're also a good source of B vitamins and folate, which can help lower stress levels.

Vitamin B is needed for a healthy nervous system, and anxiety can be a symptom of a B deficiency. Lastly, the monounsaturated fats present in avocado help lower blood pressure and maintain cardiac health. Enjoy avocados in place of mayonnaise on sandwiches, add some to smoothies to give them a creamier consistency, or mix up some guacamole and enjoy with tortilla chips.