Food is not only the fuel our bodies need to operate. It is also a source of pleasure, and many of us use it as an excuse to take a break when we need one. Many people report that eating helps them to calm down when they are upset. However, we bet you never knew that some foods are actually helpful in relaxing the mind and body, regardless of your mental state? These food items contain nutrients that can help you rest better, and that is precisely what we’ll be discussing in this article.
Green tea
This one may not come as a surprise: green tea is beneficial for relieving stress. One of its essential ingredients is L-theanine, and it is a chemical substance that encourages calmness. If you’ve had a long and stressful day, drinking green tea is one way to relax and maintain your sanity. This famous tea is predominantly found in Asia, especially in China and India. It is rich in magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, riboflavin, and niacin. It also helps to lower blood sugar, decrease the amount of cholesterol in the blood, and many believe that green tea can help you lose an enormous amount of weight within a short time.
Coconut
Coconut helps you get rid of stress by reducing blood pressure. What this means is that the rate at which the heart pumps blood will be normalized and enough blood will get through to every organ of the body in need of it. Coconut is a versatile plant. It can serve as food, drink, oil, and other domestic and cleaning purposes. The liquid embedded in it – often called coconut water or coconut juice – is highly nutritional and medicinal.
Banana
You probably never knew that bananas help relax your muscles. Potassium and magnesium are some of its essential ingredients, and those are useful muscle relaxants. Have you ever wondered why people who engage in sporting activities eat bananas after a workout? The reason is that it’s rich in tryptophan, which is a proven relaxant. Bananas are also a good source of energy and carbohydrate. Other constituents include water, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, iron, and magnesium.
Brown rice
You probably know how vital insulin is to the body, but did you know that it’s not all about your metabolism? Insulin causes you to sleep and relax well. It also helps with the production of certain hormones, such as melatonin and serotonin. Melatonin is needed to fall asleep or maintain healthy sleep, while serotonin influences your mood, cognitive ability, and behavior. When you consume brown rice, insulin is released into the body system. It is a good source of energy, dietary fibers, calcium, selenium, and sodium. If you’re new to this healthy carb, note that it takes more time to cook than white rice.
Green vegetables
Usually, veggies are a great way of obtaining vitamins. Also, consumption of vegetables helps your body secrete dopamine, which is needed by the human brain for happiness. Furthermore, studies have shown that regular consumption of greens like spinach and kale can significantly improve your chances of staying mentally healthy and reduce the risk of depression. It is advisable to include a salad in your dietary plans so that your body can get as much folate as possible.
Milk
Just like Bananas, milk is rich in tryptophan. The dairy product is also a good source of calcium which the body needs to stay strong. This natural liquid provides the body with energy and protein. It is also rich in lactose and fat and can help you sleep after experiencing a lot of stress.
Honey
To reduce restlessness and anxiety, just take a spoonful of honey. We already established how tryptophan helps with calming the nerves and aiding muscle relaxation. That is what you get when you take a substantial amount of honey. Honey is naturally sweet, and it is entirely natural as it is produced by bees. It’s a proven antibiotic, and it helps with cough and burns too. Taking honey helps to energize the body; it also contains fat, protein, minerals, and carbohydrate all in the right proportion.
Many believe that “we are what we eat.” Eating these natural foods, that are packed with beneficial nutrients, is a good idea regardless of their relaxing trait. If they’re not a part of your daily diet, at least consider them the next time you need to relax. Pills or addictive substances may help you calm down, but these foods are much better for you!
