Can Snacking Reduce Stress?
Having a stressful day? Snacking could help.
Maybe you are feeling out of focus and disconnected. Perhaps your new found jam-packed social calendar has you back to a fast-paced life. In today's society, we all seem to be racing against time by trying to be over-productive in a limited amount of time. What's the first thing we are prone to giving up? Our health.
Balancing a nutritious diet is critical to maintaining good mental and physical health. The good news is that there are some specific tips that can really boost your spirit and elevate your emotions.
Don’t Go Nuts - Eat Them
Nuts are nutrient-dense, filled with healthy fatty acids, and contain all sorts of vitamins and health benefits. Recent studies on pistachios, for example, have revealed that they may have a role in reducing stress levels. Pistachios are also rich in magnesium, which is linked to decreasing anxiety levels. You also have to slow down to take the time to crack open all the goodness these nuts contain. Some of our other favorite nutritious nuts include walnuts and cashews.
Avocado
Millennials have redefined how we eat toast. A generation of folks have been taken by the craze of avocado toast. Carbs may not be your thing, so mashing them into a delicious guacamole or adding some avocado slices to your salad are a few alternatives. Avocados contain omega-3 fatty acids that will help reduce stress and anxiety and immediately boost your mood. Considered a superfood, the avocado also consists of essential nutrients and fiber that make it a great addition to your diet.
Citrus and Berries
Did you know that stress can lead to inflammation? Eating a healthy snack that reduces inflammation can be essential to your internal defense. Berries are antioxidant-dense and citrus contain Vitamin C that can help boost your immune system.
Strawberries and blueberries in particular contain a phytochemical that can effectively elevate your mood and eliminate stress. Oranges, on the other hand, contain the greatest source of Vitamin C and can be a great go-to when starting your stress-reducing snack journey.
The Mighty Mushroom
Shiitake mushrooms have tremendous health benefits. In a recent large observational study, individuals who consumed shiitake mushrooms, amongst other varieties, were noted as having a lower chance of developing anxiety and depression.
The study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, used dietary and mental health data from more than 24,000 participants to draw the association between mushroom consumption and lower instances of depression.
Mushrooms are a potent source of antioxidants and contain both ergothioneine and potassium. Other recent studies have revealed that these antioxidants can potentially reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, some common risk factors for depression.
Better-For-You Popadelics Crunchy Mushroom Chips
Our bright, cheerful, and funky bags will be sure to make you smile. The taste is
mind-blowing and stress-reducing. The best part? Popadelics are better-for-you and are made from the mighty shiitake mushroom. So if you are looking to escape a stressful day and need that little something to crunch on - find your favorite flavor and get your snack on!
