10 Foods That Naturally Relieve Stress and Anxiety

Posted by Bonnie Mo. Last updated on February 18, 2021 by Jennifer Foden

It's been a hard year for everyone. We've all Googled "how to destress" and have incorporated yoga, therapy and exercise into our routines. However, there's also a way eat your way to a state of zen. These natural stress relief superfoods will help you on your journey to figure out how to relieve stress and anxiety. From berries to chocolate (yes, really!), these are the foods that reduce anxiety and stress.

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Seaweed

As if we needed more reason to <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/healthy-tasty-snacks-to-avoid-getting-hangry/#!snacks-strawberries" rel="noopener" target="_blank">snack</a> on these addictive sheets of crunchy nori. Turns out, those dark, leafy greens including Swiss chard, spinach and seaweed are all excellent sources of magnesium and folate, two important ingredients that help produce mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine — also known as the feel-good chemicals. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/nori-chips/15334/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Nori Chips</a>
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Dark Chocolate

According to <a href="https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/pressroom/presspacs/2009/acs-presspac-november-11-2009/new-evidence-that-dark-chocolate-helps-ease-emotional-stress.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">one study</a>, eating about an ounce and a half of dark chocolate a day for two weeks reduced levels of stress hormones in people who reported feeling highly stressed. Here are the <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/best-worst-foods-for-mental-health/#!bananas-sore-throat" rel="noopener" target="_blank">best (and worst) foods for your mental health</a>.
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Kimchi

Fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi are full of gut-benefiting bacteria. Studies have shown that a healthy gut can have a direct effect on brain chemistry. Here are <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/global-eats/photos/12-delicious-ways-to-eat-kimchi/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">creative kimchi recipes to fire up your taste buds</a>.
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Avocados

Avocados are full of health-boosting nutrients like potassium, vitamin E and folate, but it’s the monounsaturated fats in avocados that help reduce blood sugar spikes that can lead to anxiety. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/girl-meets-farm/blog/molly-yeh-guacamole-salad/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Molly Yeh's Guacamole Salad</a>
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Berries

Blueberries, blackberries and raspberries are all a great source of <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/top-12-foods-that-will-boost-your-vitamin-c-intake/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">vitamin C</a>, which is a well-known natural stress-buster. Here are more <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/curative-immune-boosting-foods/#!curative-foods-for-winter-fall-spinach" rel="noopener" target="_blank">curative, immune-boosting foods featuring vitamin C to magnesium</a>.
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Oysters

These guys get all the glory for being aphrodisiacs, but <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/holidays/blog/how-to-serve-oysters-like-chef-michael-smith/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">slurping on oysters</a> will also give you a shot of zinc, which can help calm frazzled nerves. Here are some <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/valentines-day/photos/recipes-for-a-romantic-dinner-at-home/#!Beet-risotto-Anna-Olson" rel="noopener" target="_blank">romantic recipes for a dinner at home</a>.
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Milk

One more reason mom was right. Drinking a glass of warm milk before you hit the sack isn’t just good for the soul, it's also high in the protein lactium, which has a built-in calming effect by lowering blood pressure. While you're sipping on that before-bed glass of milk, try indulging in one of these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/fun-with-food/photos/food-documentaries-podcasts/#!1-urban-farmers-doc" rel="noopener" target="_blank">food documentaries or podcasts</a>.
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Turkey

Like the classic episode of Seinfeld (and every family Thanksgiving dinner) taught us all, stuffing yourself with turkey is the quickest route to sleepy town. Chalk it up to tryptophan, an amino acid that triggers the brain to release serotonin, the chemicals that lead to feelings of sleepiness and calmness. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/make-ahead-thanksgiving-turkey/22001/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Ree Drummond's Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey</a>
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Fatty Fish

Oily fish like <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/bbq/photos/easy-grilled-salmon-recipes/#!grilled-salmon-steaks" rel="noopener" target="_blank">salmon</a> and anchovies are loaded with omega-3 fats and DHA, which play a role in emotional well-being. Including to Statistics Canada, <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/food-network-insider/blog/food-insecurity-covid-mental-health-stat-can/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">food insecurity during COVID-19 has been linked to poor mental health</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/pomegranate-molasses-glazed-salmon/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pomegranate Molasses Glazed Salmon</a>
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Almonds

Full of protein and vitamin B2, a handful of these nuts can help keep stress levels in check by stabilizing blood sugar levels so you’re less likely to be vulnerable to mood swings brought on by sudden spikes and dips. Try upping your almond intake with this <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/middle-eastern-bulgur-pomegranate-almond-salad/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Middle Eastern bulgur, pomegranate and almond salad</a>.
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