There is no doubt about the fact that we lead far more stressful lives now than we did a few decades ago. And sometimes, it begins to take a toll on our health.
On one hand, if suffering from a headache, sleeplessness and restlessness are some obvious signs of being stressed, sometimes, it also leads to comfort eating, which, in turn, leads to weight gain.
And when stressed, hormones are released. Adrenaline increases your heart rate and elevates your blood pressure. Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, increases sugars (glucose) in the bloodstream.
The dreaded cortical is the fight-or-flight hormone that gets your body completely out of whack. It causes major food cravings; women, in particular, often tend to gravitate towards sweets and carbs.
The odd thing is that the more of these you eat, the worse your mood gets and yet you want to succumb to these temptations again and again. It is this vicious circle that makes us store fat in the belly area, which often proves difficult to get rid of.
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So, here are some foods that will address the problem of inflammation in your bodies caused by the dreaded cortisol.
Avocados
Apart from being absolutely delicious, these creamy little babies are so rich in glutathione, lutein, beta-carotene, Vitamin E and lots of folates – more than any other fruit around. A single serving can help block intestinal absorption of certain fats that cause oxidative damage to the stomach lining.
Chocolate
Yes, chocolate. Not only does it taste good, it is actually really good for you. Pure dark chocolate is very high in antioxidants and is right up there on top of the ‘Healthy Foods For The Heart’ list. The polyphenols and flavonols in dark chocolate keep your blood pressure in check (when eaten in moderation) and can help calm you down.
Oatmeal
That warm fulfilling feeling you get when you have a hot bowl of freshly made oatmeal with cinnamon and berries! Well, there is a scientific reason behind that. Being a complex carbohydrate, it causes your brain to produce serotonin, the feel-good chemical. This particular chemical has antioxidant properties and creates that amazingly soothing feeling, which helps alleviate stress!
Chamomile tea
Whether at work or at bedtime, chamomile has an amazingly soothing effect on the nerves. Find a quiet spot when you are feeling overwhelmed by work or other engagements, turn off all electronics for 10 minutes and let the pretty flowers steep in hot water. You can also get chamomile tea bags to make life easier. Put your feet up and let the tea wash the stress away!
Asparagus
It’s not the best smelling vegetable when cooked, but asparagus is so high in folate that it helps you keep your cool. Personally, I have them partially steamed and add them to salads or throw them in at the last minute into stir-fries.
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