We’ve all been there: it’s a stressful day, and suddenly reaching for a bag of chips or a plate of cookies becomes borderline instinctual. Although comfort foods might give us an instant feeling of satisfaction, nutrient-dense foods can fight stress on a much deeper level. So many of our favorite superfoods (packed with vitamins, minerals and nutrients) can support the body holistically, which ease the mind and body long-term. Read on for some of the best superfoods you can eat to fight stress and get your day back on track.
1. Cacao
We know cacao is the foundation of all chocolate products, and an exceptional source of healthy antioxidants and minerals. But it’s cacao’s impressive magnesium content that makes it a particularly good stress fighter. Foods rich in magnesium help relax muscles, ease tension and reduce aches and pain associated with stress.†
There are so many ways to incorporate cacao into desserts, but don’t forget it’s also a great ingredient to add to a morning smoothie to start the day on the right note. Try turning a standard smoothie into a stress-fighting shake with cacao and other healthy ingredients. Other high-magnesium foods on the savory end of the food spectrum include kelp, wheat bran, almonds, cashews, buckwheat and garlic.
2. Wheatgrass powder
Wheatgrass is naturally very alkaline, which relieves inflammation and promotes a calmer state of mind and body. Not only that, but Navitas Organics Wheatgrass Powder contains a whopping 70 minerals and vitamins, hundreds of live enzymes, amino acids, and antioxidants, which help put the body in a state of balance.†
3. Nuts & seeds
If you’re craving a satisfying crunch without any of the guilt, try grabbing a handful of raw nuts, like cashews or Superfood Plus Turmeric Tamari Almonds. Crunching away on healthy nuts and seeds relieves stress and tension in the jaw and face, and the omega-3 fatty acid content in nuts has been linked to improved mood, too. Thanks to a wide spectrum of nutrition including protein, fiber and minerals, nuts and seeds are very satiating and can help reduce cravings for empty calorie junk foods for hours.
4. Matcha
Matcha is a green tea powder that’s finely ground and commonly referred to as a “health elixir” to improve concentration, boost metabolism and simultaneously ease internal stress. A traditional part of Buddhist monk ceremonies, matcha is thought to calm the body, thanks to L-theanine, an amino acid that stimulates brain waves.† To achieve mental clarity and a more positive state of mind, sip matcha tea either hot or cold, or add matcha powder to your favorite blender drinks.†
5. Maca
We’ve saved the most potent de-stressing superfood for last: maca. Used as a nourishing and healing superfood in Peru for thousands of years, thanks to its notable content of many vitamins, minerals, amino acids and plant sterols, maca is undoubtedly best known for its adaptogenic, stress-busting qualities. This incredible root supports the adrenal glands in the body, which serve as our internal stress regulators. Eating or drinking maca is a quick and powerful way to gain energy (without being negatively stimulated), as well as to restore balance and vitality.†
†These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
This aritcle originally appeared on the Navitas Organics blog.
