5 healthy eats to beat stress

We share a list of stress-busting foods and drinks that are both nutritious and yummy.

Most of us are guilty of hoarding sugary and caffeinated comfort food and beverages as a preventive measure for times when we are stressed out.

While there is an almost unreal connection between stress and food, a common misperception is that foods that give us a sugar high or constitute stimulants, release pressure.

Sweet foods such as chocolate leave us feeling tired and craving more. When eaten regularly, caffeinated items have a toxic effect on the body that can cause insomnia, irritability and headaches.

Here, we have compiled a list of healthy, stress-releasing foods from dailymail.co.uk.

Camomile tea:



This is, perhaps, one of the most calming drinks that can be consumed when a person is stressed. It’s particularly helpful to have it before hitting the sack as it has a sleep-inducing effect.

Fresh fruit and vegetable juices:



Juices made from yellow, orange, dark green or red fruits and vegetables are a great source of antioxidant nutrients, which have been proven to play an imperative role in supporting our immune system when we are under stress.

Protein foods:



Proteins such as fish, chicken and pulses, if eaten in small portions, can trigger dopamine production in the body, which can be converted into adrenaline that provides us with an extra edge during times of distress. Fish, for example, contains vitamin B that lends support to our nervous system during stress.

B rich foods:



These comprise dairy foods, green leafy vegetables, seafood, whole grain and Marmite. In those formidable times of stress, these food items support our nervous system and have a calming effect on the body.

Complex carbohydrates:



Brown rice, potatoes, whole grain bread, pasta and cereals all comprise complex carbohydrates. They are a better alternative to refined carbohydrates when we are under stress. They are broken down in the body at a speed that promotes a continual release of energy.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 26^th, 2013.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.