The holidays are upon us and with them comes joy and laughter. But let’s be honest … there’s always an element of stress involved with these festivities. Here’s a tip: incorporate these super stress-zapping foods into your diet and breeze through this busy season!
Citrus: This favorite fruit group has been proven to fight stress. That’s because citrus is rich in vitamin C and malic acid that work together to make the central nervous system less reactive during times of peak stress.
Garlic: Good news for all you garlic lovers! This yummy seasoning quiets the brain’s tension center. According to scientists at Chicago’s Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, garlic can reduce stress levels by 39% in 10 minutes. It turns out that the enticing aroma and flavor calm the frontal lobe that governs tension.
Hummus: This popular bean dip is packed with polyphenols, which nourish and heal over active adrenal glands, which in turn slows down the production of stress hormones. According to UCLA studies, just a 1/2 cup of hummus daily can take the edge off by as much as 25% in 72 hours.
Tuna: Who knew that something as simple as a tuna sandwich could quell your stress? According to one Georgetown University study, the blend of omega-3 fatty acids and amino acids in fish boosts the production of mellow alpha brain waves – sometimes within 30 minutes of the first bite!