Reach For a Banana

Did you Know that your diet can help you deal with Tension ?

UshaRani  RajaRaman and U.K. Lakshmi tell you which foods can help relieve   stress.

All of us face challenges and obstacles and sometimes the pre3ssure can be hard to handle. When we feel the weight of these demands on us, we experience stress. Stress is the disease of the 20^th century and is believed to cause more ailments than any other thing known to modern medicine. Most individuals experience maximum stress at the work place while they struggle with deadlines, meetings, presentations and all other components of a regular job.

There are different approaches to combat stress: yoga, meditation, positive therapy, physical exercise, massage, aroma therapy, acupuncture, Tai chi, Qigong, self-hypnosis, laughter therapy, music theraphy, psychological relaxation therapy, medication and much more. Yet unless s your diet is healthy, no matter what you do, stress will take a toll on you.

During  a period of stress, when one is expected to be emotionally, physically and intellectually resilient, a healthy person is in a better position to handle the situation than an unhealthy and malnourished person. A balanced diet is the key to ensure that our body gets all the nutrients   we may need to face any situation.

Studies have shown that the body depletes its store of nutrients during stress, mainly calling upon proteins, vitamins A, B and C. Certain foods  and drinks act as powerful stimulants and hence are direct causes of stress.

This stimulation, although pleasurable in the short-term, may be harmful in the long run. Caffeine – found in coffee, tea, chocolate, aerated drinks – causes  the release  of the hormone adrenaline thereby increasing stress levels. Consumed in ,moderation, it can increase alertness and activity in the muscles, nervous system and heart.

There are other foods that help reduce stress and anxiety. These include almonds,. Banana, broccoli, cottage cheese, ginseng, green tea, lime juice, milk, blueberries, oranges, oats, whole-grain rice and spinach. Generally people use Vitamin-C to boost their immune system or to reduce allergies but a new study has shown that it is also effective in stress management. Drink plenty of lime juice (freshly  made) to ensure that you get plenty of vitamin C.

Bananas contain a type of protein that is converted  into serotonin, which helps a person relax, improves the mood and makes one feel happier. It is also a good  source of magnesium, which is called as anti-stress mineral because of its calming effect. Milk is rich in antioxidants, vitamin B2 and B12, and is also a good source of protein and calcium. Foods containing calcium are valuable because of their calming effect on muscles.

So when you’re trying to deal with stress, reach for these foods rather than a cup of coffee.

Thanks,

The Hindu-Well Being

28/10/2012