30 May,2011 12:01 PM IST | | Agencies
Having a stressful day at the office? Here's something you should knowu00a0-- what you eat can have big impact on how you feel.
Dietician Cynthia Sass said that certain foods could reduce stress, relieve anxiety, and make you feel better, reports CBS News.
Sass, co-author of ''Cinch! Conquer Cravings, Drop Pounds and Lose Inches,'' pointed to a several foods to consider when you're on edge.
Snacks during a stressful day at the office
Reach for raw veggies with hummus and a glass of ice water as an afternoon snack. Produce is loaded with water and chock full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that counter the effects of stress.
In a British food and mood study, over 70 percent of the participants reported that upping their water and produce intakes improved their mood and 25 percent said that a few simple dietary changes reduced both panic attacks and anxiety.
Before a presentation in the morning
Drink Tea. Enjoying tea leisurely doesn't just feel good; it's good for you. A Japanese study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, conducted with over 40,000 people, found that levels of psychological stress were 20 percent lower in those who drank at least five cups of green tea per day compared to those who drank less than one cup per day.
The results held true even after accounting for factors such as age, sex, medical history, body mass index, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, and diet.
While watching an intense sporting event
Rice crispy treats made with puffed BROWN rice or a mixture of puffed whole grains. Carbohydrates boost calming serotonin levels. Using whole grain puffs in this recipe boosts the nutritional value and won't cause the same type of spike and drop in blood sugar you might experience when you eat all refined carbs, which can lead to irritability, moodiness. Oranges: Keep yourself busy with peeling the orange. Plus it''s a great source of vitamin C.
When in-laws come over for dinner
Serve a garden salad with fresh beets. One cup supplies over 30 percent of the folate needed daily. Because of its link with the nervous system, too little folate has been known to trigger mental fatigue, forgetfulness, confusion and insomnia. In addition, several common medications can deplete the body's supply of folate, including cholesterol-lowering drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, diabetes medications and birth control pills.
For preventing depression from soaring holiday bills
Whip up a Portobello burger (or Portobello fajitas). Mushrooms are rich in selenium, which studies have linked a deficiency of to a higher risk of depression, anxiety and fatigue.
