Foods and Beverages That May Promote Calm

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Foods and beverages

Foods and beverages with calming properties

We all want to live a stress-free life. Stress can cause a lot of problems in our lives. It can lead to anxiety, depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, headaches, insomnia, and cancer.

Stress can also affect our moods. If you nd yourself feeling stressed out, try these foods and beverages that may promote calmness.

What are some calming foods?

Calming foods include:

• Water

• Vegetables

• Whole grains

• Dairy products

• Beans/legumes

• Nuts

• Oils

• Fish

• Herbs and spices

What drinks help calm anxiety?

Drinking water is the best way to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids helps your body function properly. When we don’t drink enough fluid, it leads to dehydration which causes us to feel tired or sluggish. Dehydration can make us more anxious because we have less energy.

Water is an effective treatment for mild anxiety. In one study, people who drank eight glasses of water each day were found to experience lower anxiety levels than those who didn’t drink any at all. Another study showed that drinking two cups of coffee per day was associated with reduced anxiety symptoms. However, caffeine isn’t recommended if you’re trying to reduce anxiety. Caffeine increases alertness but doesn’t necessarily decrease feelings of tension.

Other studies show that certain types of alcohol might relieve anxiety. The reason why this happens is not entirely apparent. Some believe that the antioxidants present in red wine could improve brain health by protecting against oxidative damage. Others think that the alcohol itself acts as a sedative.

Whatever the case, moderation is key when consuming alcoholic beverages. Too much alcohol will only increase your anxiety level.

What type of food will calm down?

When choosing foods that may help calm anxiety, keep in mind how they taste. You should choose foods that appeal to your senses. For example, sweet tastes tend to relax us while bitter ones stimulate us.

If you prefer savory a flavors, go ahead and eat them! They won’t harm you as long as you limit their consumption. Try eating broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, kale, carrots, celery, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, beans, lentils, peas, etc. These veggies contain lots of fiber and nutrients that boost metabolism and provide essential vitamins and minerals. Fiber keeps you full longer, so you aren’t tempted to snack on junk food.

If you enjoy salty snacks, then add salt to your meals instead. Salt boosts sodium levels in the body, which makes us feel relaxed. This effect is similar to taking a painkiller.

Try adding herbs and spices to your dishes.

Herbal teas made from chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, rosemary, sage, spearmint, thyme, peppermint, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, fennel, coriander, basil, cumin, turmeric, saffron, clove bud tea, mint leaves, dandelion root, licorice root, ginseng, yarrow, burdock root, nettle leaf, aloe vera gel, and many others work well.

Try using oils to enhance flavor. Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats, which are suitable for lowering cholesterol and reducing inflammation. Other oils that may benefit you include sesame seed oil, sunflower seed oil, axseed oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil, almond oil, hazelnut oil, walnut oil, pumpkin seed oil, hemp seed oil, olive oil, coconut oil, macadamia nut oil, peanut butter, and grape fruit juice.

Avoid sugar-laden treats because these can cause blood sugar spikes. Instead, opt for fresh fruits or healthy sweets such as raw honey, dark chocolate, unsalted nuts, and dried fruit.

Eat plenty of protein. Protein helps build muscle mass and provides energy. It also improves mood by increasing serotonin production and decreasing cortisol levels. Lean meat sources include beef, chicken, turkey, fish, shellfish, lamb, pork, veal, bison, rabbit, duck, goose, venison, ostrich, elk, buffalo ,caribou, moose, deer, antelope, wild boar, camel, kangaroo, goat, sheep, horse, and even insects.

You don’t have to avoid animal products entirely, though. Dairy products are rich in calcium which promotes bone growth and protects our brains. Cheese, milk, yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese, ice cream, sour cream, creamed corn, and other dairy items are great choices. Soybeans and tofu are excellent plant-based proteins.

Choose whole grains over refined grain alternatives whenever possible. Whole grains offer more nutritional value and fewer calories compared to processed versions.

Add these foods to your regular menu and keep yourself calm!

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