April is Stress Awareness Month

A FEW FOOD STRESS RELIEVERS...

ALMONDS This little snack packs a healthy punch with B2 (riboflavin), vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc. The actual hormone, serotonin, which balance mood and stress, is in almonds. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which can enhance an individual's immune system, while zinc has been shown to fight negative effects of stress. However, this snack should only be consumed in small portions, because it is high in fat.
 

FISH   Along with being a main source of Omega 3, Fish, is also filled with vitamin B-12. This vitamin has the most important involvement in producing serotonin. Serotonin aids in the balance of an individual's emotional level.
 

BROCCOLI  This vegetable is stocked full of B vitamins. Broccoli also contains folic acid; aids in stress relief, anxiety, panic, depression, and other emotional disorders.
 

WHOLE GRAIN RICE OR PASTA  Whole grain is not a hidden secret any more. Restaurants noticed the popular rise of whole-grain, by adding them as feature items to their menus; delis now feature whole grains, and even pizzerias offer whole-grain pizza pies. Complex carbohydrates take longer to digest, which gives the brain the sensation of fullness; in other words, happy.

SUSHI  Aside from the previous benefits described in the fish region, sushi holds several other stress reliving properties. The seaweed maki has been known to have anti-anxiety properties. The seaweed itself, is comprised of magnesium, vitamin B2, and pantothenic acid. This acid contributes to the health of adrenal glands, which perform a vital part in stress management.
 

CANTELOPE  Vitamin C, which is found in Cantaloupe, is crucial component of fighting stress in the human body. Take slices of cantaloupe and add it to a small bowl of cottage cheese for a healthy snack.

BLUEBERRIES For such a small piece of food, blueberries are compounded with antioxidants and vitamin C, which aid in the balance of stress.