4 Healthy Foods That Calm & De-Stress

Studies have found that these options can help contribute to a healthy mental state, buffer against the harmful physical effects of stress, and dial up your serenity level.

Eat your way to Zen.

Asparagus

It's true that side effects may include off-color or funky-smelling urine. But it's a small price to pay for all the folate they deliver.

The B vitamin is essential in helping you keep your cool when stress rears its ugly head. Steam some spears and add to salads or stir-fries; they're also tasty broiled and seasoned.

Avocados

Besides being an excellent source of healthy fat, these creamy green fruits (yes, fruits) can stress-proof your body.

They're rich in glutathione, a substance that blocks intestinal absorption of certain fats that cause oxidative damage (the process that creates free radicals, the harmful compounds responsible for aging).

Avocados also contain more folate than any other fruit. Try to stick to a single serving (about one- quarter of an avocado). Thinly sliced, it can go a long way on salads or replace mayo on sandwiches or burgers.

Berries

All berries, including blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, are rich in vitamin C, which has been shown to be helpful in combating stress.

German researchers tested this by asking 120 people to give a speech and then do hard math problems. Those who had been given vitamin C had lower blood pressure and lower levels of cortisol after the stressfest.

Add a handful of berries to salad, yogurt, or oatmeal, or try nibbling on them frozen.

Oranges

Another vitamin C powerhouse, oranges have an added benefit: That tough skin keeps them protected while they're bouncing around in your purse or backpack, so you can tote them anywhere.

Try some other varieties, like clementines, tangelos, or mineolas.

#Destressfoods