6 foods to help lower your stress levels

Emma Brown - Nutritionist | 27 Jan, 2021

Swap high fat & sugar comfort foods and boost your mood with these stress-combating healthier choices.

1 Spinach



Rich in folate – this leafy green can help stabilize your mood. Studies show a link between folate deficiency and increased risk of depression.

lower your stress

2 Cheese



Provides a good dose of tryptophan, an amino acid that is turned into serotonin in your body. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which plays an important role in mood control.

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3 Salmon



Farmed salmon in particular is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. This type of fatty acid has anti-inflammatory effects which are believed to help reduce some of the risk factors associated with developing anxiety. Less anxiety equals less stress!

lower your stress

4 Almonds



A great source of magnesium – this mineral plays a role in converting tryptophan to serotonin. As mentioned above, serotonin plays an important role in mood control and can affect how calm and relaxed you feel.

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5 Kidney beans



These beans add a healthy dose of zinc into your diet. Low levels of this mineral have been linked to increased risk of depression and reduced responsiveness to depression treatment. Ensuring you have an adequate intake of zinc can help balance mood and possibly your ability to manage stress better.

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6 Camomile tea



Camomile has been linked to several health benefits including reduced anxiety and depression. Try a cup when you need a calming effect.

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Nutritionist Emma Brown (ANutr), MSc Human Nutrition is passionate about how food science applies to the human body, and how the nutrients in what we eat affect us and ultimately have an impact on our health.