8 "Stress-Busting" Foods for a Better Mood

The pressures of society, family, and life have left people with significant mental stress today. In fact, a healthy diet can also effectively help us relieve and resist stress. Below, we recommend 8 "stress-relieving" foods for you. Let's take a look.

1. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is widely praised for its mood-relaxing effects due to its rich content of flavonoids (chamomile tea is another important source) and phenylethylamine. The darker the chocolate, the more healthy substances you can get from it, so eat more chocolate bars with a cocoa content of over 70%.

2. Walnuts

Walnuts can help lower blood pressure in the human body, and the effect is particularly significant for those whose heart is overworked due to excessive adrenaline levels. Research shows that they are highly beneficial to health, so the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends eating 1.5 ounces of walnuts daily.

Chestnut, Walnut, and Goji Bean Soy Milk

3. Oatmeal

Carbohydrates can promote the production of serotonin in the brain—a chemical substance that can help people relax. This is actually why many people crave these foods when they feel stressed. Obviously, oatmeal is a healthy ingredient that can satisfy this craving. It is rich in fiber, which can slow down the stomach's absorption rate. At the same time, it can increase the secretion of serotonin in the brain in a short period, prolong the feeling of fullness, and also ensure that blood sugar levels remain normal.

4. Skim Milk

Scientists have confirmed that warm milk does have the effect of relieving stress. Experts also note that milk can alleviate premenstrual syndrome. Compared to women who drink at most one cup of milk per week, women who drink four or more cups of low-fat or skim milk daily have a 50% lower chance of developing premenstrual syndrome.

5. Spinach

Spinach is known as a "model of nutrition." It is rich in various nutrients such as carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin K, minerals (calcium, iron, etc.), and coenzyme Q10. Moreover, research has found that the magnesium-rich content in spinach can help you effectively combat stress.

Mussels with Spinach Salad

6. Salmon

Salmon is rich in OMEGA-3 fatty acids. Research has found that omega-3 fatty acids can increase serotonin levels, reduce stress, and also inhibit the production of the anxiety hormones cortisol and adrenaline.

7. Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are rich in trace elements such as iron, zinc, potassium, and magnesium, which gives them effects like preventing anemia. They are also a good source of vitamin B1 and vitamin E. Moreover, the folate-rich content in sunflower seeds can promote the production of a chemical called dopamine in the brain, which can make people feel happy.

8. Blueberries

Blueberry fruits are rich in nutrients and have functions such as preventing the aging of brain nerves, protecting vision, strengthening the heart, fighting cancer, softening blood vessels, and enhancing the body's immunity. Among these, blueberries are particularly noted for their rich anthocyanins, which have the effect of activating the retina and can strengthen vision and prevent eye fatigue. Moreover, the antioxidants in blueberries can counteract the adverse effects of stress hormones like cortisol on the body.

Blueberry Soy Milk Pudding