Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Better Life

8 foods that reduce stress

Stress-busting snacks. - by Laura Barry
  • 20 Aug 2018

Many of us feel the need to reach for chocolate, sweets or other unhealthy food options when we’re feeling stressed, however there are myriad other foods that are not only better for us to be snacking on, but that have stress-reducing qualities. Next time you’re feeling on edge, reach for these healthy foods instead.

Salmon

Studies have shown that the omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon have the ability to reduce anxiety. For best result, have two serves of 200 grams of salmon per week.

salmon
Getty

Dark chocolate

A study in the International Journal of Health Science found that dark chocolate can regulate anxiety levels by reducing stress hormones such as cortisol. The higher the cocoa levels in the chocolate, the better.

Dark chocolate
Getty

Leafy green vegetables

The folate in green leafy vegetables has been linked to alleviating depressive symptoms such as anxiety and stress. Try Brussel sprouts, asparagus and broccoli.

leafy green vegetables
Getty

Blueberries

A strong immune system is one of the best ways to fight stress, and blueberries are packed with antioxidants that prevent cell damage caused by free radicals found in the environment and naturally in our bodies.

Blueberries
Getty

Oatmeal

Serotonin is a calm-inducing hormone and can be found in thick-cut, old fashioned oats that require cooking, instead of instant versions because coarse oats are high in fibre and take longer to digest, meaning the calming effect may last longer.

Oats
Getty

Almonds

Rich in vitamins B2 and E, almonds can help boost the immune system in times of stress. A quarter of a cup a day will do the trick.

Almonds
Getty

Avocado

Feelings of anxiety have been linked to Vitamin B deficiency, and avocados are rich in it. They’re also rich on monosaturated fat and potassium, which can help lower blood pressure.

avocado
Getty

Tea

A classic cup of tea is known to sooth frazzled nerves.

tea
Getty

You might also like:

Sleep deprivation is killing more than 3000 Australians each year 

5 ways to feel healthier and happier today

Why fidgeting is good for you

  • Food
  • Health
  • Better Life
Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

'Takeaway trauma' is a real thing, according to science

'Takeaway trauma' is a real thing, according to science

5 Of The Best Substitutes For Coconut Oil

5 Of The Best Substitutes For Coconut Oil

How long does caffeine last in your system?

How long does caffeine last in your system?

You've been using your carrot peeler the wrong way

You've been using your carrot peeler the wrong way

{headline}

{headline}

How to lose weight with just 5 healthy food swaps

How to lose weight with just 5 healthy food swaps

Study finds chocolate milk is actually good for you

Study finds chocolate milk is actually good for you

The worst diet of 2020 has been identified

The worst diet of 2020 has been identified

{headline}

{headline}

The best diets of 2020 have been named

The best diets of 2020 have been named

Adam Liaw’s lifechanging sausage sizzle hack

Adam Liaw’s lifechanging sausage sizzle hack

Urgent food recall: Coles, Woolworths, IGA Sriracha Chilli sauce

Urgent food recall: Coles, Woolworths, IGA Sriracha Chilli sauce

New Australian alcohol guidelines released before New Years Eve

New Australian alcohol guidelines released before New Years Eve

The cocktail that has more calories than a cheeseburger

The cocktail that has more calories than a cheeseburger

How to maintain a healthy diet this Christmas

How to maintain a healthy diet this Christmas

 Choc chip cookies not only delicious, but addictive, says study

Choc chip cookies not only delicious, but addictive, says study

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Shop This Offer
Treat yourself to a subscription