It’s time to try these powerful 5 superfoods for anxiety! Read on for details.
Much of what we eat can affect the stability of our moods.
If you’re struggling with managing your anxiety, it may be because of micro and macro nutrient deficiencies.
Luckily, superfoods, which are called so because of their rich nutrient content more than any other foods, can help with anxiety too!
Know the top 5 superfoods for anxiety and add them to your diet to improve your nutrient-intake. They are rich in anxiety-calming nutrients that can help your ease symptoms!
List of Top 5 Superfoods for Anxiety
1. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is one of the best superfoods for anxiety.
It is an herb that originates from Indian Ayurvedic medicine.
When compared with the drug lorazepam, which is a sedative and anxiety medication, ashwagandha was shown to have a calming effect which reduces anxiety.
This 2019 study shows that taking a dose of 240mg of ashwagandha daily significantly reduce stress levels in people when compared with a placebo.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric is a golden spice also widely used in Ayurvedic medicine and in Southeast Asian cuisine.
It has a powerful compound called curcumin which may help decrease anxiety by decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress in people with mood disorders like anxiety.
This 2015 study shows that adding curcumin to your diet can reduce anxiety and increase DHA, an omega 3 fatty acid that is essential for brain development and protection.
Taking turmeric supplements gives very effective results. You can also add it to your smoothies, curries, sauces and even make turmeric milk.
3. Dark Chocolate
Don’t you just feel good when you eat chocolate?
That’s because it is a mood-boosting food, with scientific evidence!
Studies have found that eating dark chocolate or cocoa (the superfood that is used to make dark chocolate) helps improve mood and reduce stress.
According to this 2014 research, it was discovered that 40g of dark chocolate helped reduce perceived stress in female students.
It is rich in nutrients like flavonoids that reduces neuro-inflammation and cell death in the brain. It also improves blood flow to the brain.
Chocolate also contains high levels of tryptophan, a compound which is converted into serotonin, the happiness hormone. This is important because low levels of serotonin are linked to anxiety and depression.
Dark chocolate is also rich in magnesium which is known to relieve stress, fight depression, improve mood and ease anxiety!
Navitas Organics Cacao Powder, 24 oz. Bag, 45 Servings — Organic, Non-GMO, Fair Trade, Gluten-Free
4. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are perfect additions or toppings to trail mix, yogurt and oatmeal.
They are also one of the top superfoods for anxiety!
Pumpkin seeds are packed with L-tryptophan, which is an amino acid that is turned to melatonin which is the hormone essential for good sleep.
These seeds also contain fatty acids that is turned to 5-HTP in the body, which is in turn converted to serotonin, the hormone that is responsible for happiness.
Low serotonin in the brain is why many people have anxiety and depression, hence the reason why doctors prescribe Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).
Furthermore, pumpkin seeds are super rich in magnesium, a mineral that has been shown in many studies to relieve anxiety and stress by making you calmer. Magnesium also helps relieve migraine pain and induces sleep.
5. Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts contain the highest levels of selenium of any food out there.
Studies like this one show that selenium can help improve mood. Those deficient in selenium are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression.
These nuts are very rich in selenium that eating no more than 3-4 brazil nuts is enough to get your daily recommended amount of the mineral!
Which superfoods for anxiety are you interested in adding to your diet? Share in the comments below!
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