by Paula Owens

 

Foods That Relieve Stress ... and are Healthy Too

1. Dark Leafy Greens Dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale and Swiss chard are good for so many things, there's really no excuse not to eat them. Calming your nerves just happens to be one of them, as these veggies contain lots of the B-complex vitamins. These vitamins are crucial for preventing stress because they're needed to make serotonin, a chemical that helps boost your mood.

2. Asparagus Asparagus is rich in folic acid, a B vitamin that is necessary to prevent irritability, fatigue, depression and even confusion.

3. Organic, grass-fed Beef Yes, red meat CAN be good for you! Beef is a great source of B vitamins and mood-stabilizing zinc and iron. To get the most health benefits, stick to organic, grass-fed beef.

4. Berries Berries are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, which is known to help keep the stress hormone cortisol steady.

5. Raw, Unsalted organic Nuts and Seeds (add Celtic sea salt if you prefer salted nuts) Almonds are rich in vitamin E, which helps to fight some of the damage caused by stress. Brazil nuts, meanwhile, contain lots of zinc and selenium, which also fights free radicals.

6. Wild Salmon The omega-3 fats found in salmon may help to reduce feelings of stress. Stay away from farmed salmon.

7. Organic Chicken Breast Chicken is a great source of tryptophan, which can help you sleep better and elevate your mood (as a bonus, it can even help to regulate your appetite!). Contrary to popular belief, chicken breast actually contains slightly more tryptophan than turkey.

8. Avocados Add some avocado slices to your eggs or salad or whip up a batch of guacamole for a quick boost in your B vitamins (plus, avocados can help prevent cancer and they're great for your heart!).

Paula is our Health and Fitness expert and the Author of The Power of 4 - For more information go to www.paulaowens.com