10 Yummy Foods That Help Relieve Anxiety
When anxiety takes over, it can feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending loop of worry and stress. But here’s the good news: some foods can actually help calm you down. What you eat can really affect your mood. Here are ten tasty foods that can help you feel less anxious.
1. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is full of magnesium, a mineral that helps relax your muscles and reduce anxiety. It also has flavonoids that are good for your brain. Some studies even say that dark chocolate can help release serotonin—a chemical that makes you feel happy. Just make sure to choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for the best results.
2. Blueberries
Blueberries are great for your mental health. They are full of antioxidants, especially vitamin C, which helps your body deal with stress. The antioxidants help protect your cells, which can make you feel calmer and more balanced.
3. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt has probiotics—good bacteria that keep your gut healthy. There’s a strong connection between your gut and your brain called the gut-brain axis. When your gut is healthy, it sends good signals to your brain, which can help reduce anxiety and improve your mood.
4. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile isn’t really a food, but it’s so calming that it had to be on this list. Chamomile tea has been used for a long time to help people relax. It has compounds like apigenin that make you feel calm and can help you sleep better. If you’re feeling anxious at the end of the day, a warm cup of chamomile tea might help.
5. Avocados
Avocados are full of B vitamins, which are important for keeping your nervous system healthy. They also have potassium, which helps keep your blood pressure steady. Eating some avocado can help you feel calmer and reduce anxiety.
6. Almonds
A handful of almonds can be really good for your mood. They are rich in magnesium, which is linked to lower anxiety levels. Plus, almonds have healthy fats and protein that help keep your energy stable—important when anxiety makes you feel tired.
7. Spinach and Leafy Greens
Leafy greens like spinach are high in magnesium, which helps keep you calm. If you don’t get enough magnesium, it can make anxiety worse, so eating greens can really help you stay relaxed. Spinach also has folate, which helps make mood-boosting chemicals like serotonin.
8. Oats
A warm bowl of oatmeal is a great way to start your day feeling good. Oats have complex carbohydrates that help increase serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is often called the “feel-good” hormone, and it can make you feel happier and less anxious.
9. Turmeric
Turmeric is a bright yellow spice often used in curries. It has anti-inflammatory properties, and the active compound, curcumin, can help improve your mood and reduce anxiety. You can add turmeric to smoothies, soups, or tea when you need a little extra help feeling calm.
10. Fatty Fish Like Salmon
Salmon is full of omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, which are great for your mental health. Omega-3s help reduce inflammation in the brain and keep your mood stable, which can lower anxiety. Experts recommend eating fatty fish like salmon at least twice a week to get the best benefits.
There you have it—ten yummy foods that can help ease anxiety and help you feel your best. Adding these foods to your diet won’t make all your worries disappear, but they can definitely help you handle anxiety better. Plus, they are good for your overall health too. So why not try adding more of these calming foods to your meals?