Amazing Foods That Help Relieve Stress

Shellfish

Shellfish, like oysters, are a good source of the minerals zinc and magnesium. Zinc plays a key role in modulating how the body responds to stress, and low levels of zinc can increase the negative effects of stress on the body.

Unfortunately, high mental or physical stress levels can quickly deplete the body's zinc. Magnesium levels typically drop during times of stress, and low magnesium has been linked to symptoms like heart palpitations, headaches, and fatigue. Try adding shellfish to your diet to ensure you're getting adequate amounts of both of these important minerals, they're great in chowders, pasta sauce, or on their own with some lemon.

Chocolate

Chocolate is already one of the foods people most commonly reach for during times of stress, and there's some good reasoning behind it-- sugar boosts the release of serotonin, while compounds found in dark chocolate can help lower levels of stress hormones.

The benefits don't end there, either. Dark chocolate is a rich source of polyphenolic flavonoids, which help protect the cardiovascular system. These benefits are primarily limited to dark chocolate, however, and it's important not to eat too much; chocolate also naturally contains caffeine, which can make anxiety worse for those sensitive to it.