In this busy world, it has become common for people to easily get stressed and have anxiety issues. You cannot always go for an outing to ease out, but what you can do is include some mood-boosting foods in your diet. These foods have proven to actually target those hormones in your body that are responsible for anxiety. Get ready to explore the delicious treats, not only for your taste buds but also for your brain and soul.

Feel Better Naturally- 10 Foods to Combat Anxiety

1. Lentils

We know that dopamine and serotonin are the neurotransmitters that regulate our mood and well-being. But it is time we get to know how we can promote to make our days more lively with an energizing mood. With lentils in your soup, stews or salads, you have a complete mood-boosting meal. It is because they are high in vitamin B and folate which you can easily cook as a dal.

2. Sattu

When you come to India, you will find a wide variety of recipes with sattu like the absolutely healthy parathas. They are so high in protein and fiber that they help to balance your blood sugar levels. This way, they help you to reduce stress and promote a good mood. To help with the nervous system, you can enjoy a cooling drink mixed with water and spices because of the magnesium in the Sattu.

3. Herbal Teas

One thing that Indians can never start their day with is chai, commonly known as tea or herbal tea. As mentioned by dietitian, these are very calming and healing because herbal tea has all the amazing ingredients that create a very comforting brew. For example, the ingredients used are tulsi, ginger, cardamom and cinnamon. When you take a sip of herbal tea, your head tries to clear the fog that is making you moody and hype up anxiety. It is because it helps to reduce stress, promote relaxation and improve focus.

4. Ashwagandha

It is one of the most used ancient herbs in Ayurvedic medicine which helps to deal with stress and anxiety because of the presence of the adaptogen. You can eat them as a supplement or add the incredible herb to your smoothies, lassi or desserts. Its calming effect may even reduce your cortisol levels which will make your well-being better.

5. Amla

Amla is one of the most loved fruit in India which you can find in the childhood memories of many people. Well, think how beneficial it must be because people get happy by just thinking how happy they were to eat it as a child. One of the reasons is that they contain vitamin C and antioxidants that boost a person’s mood and release all their stress. You can eat them raw, as a pickle, chutney or as a refreshing juice.

6. Jaggery

It is a traditional sweetener that people often use in place of white sugar. It has a very sweet taste that makes your day more of a sweet treat. This is because they encourage the release the endorphins which are the feel-good hormones. Just like any feel-good movie that you see, you can find them in the Indian desserts and beverages that are a comfort to your soul and nervous system.

7. Tulsi

A Holy Basil or Tulsi holds a very special place in Indian households. They are even worshipped and used for numerous health benefits. You will find it in herbal teas because of their ability to relieve stress in individuals like us. When you go out, have a stressful day, and have herbal tea where tulsi is an ingredient, you calm both your mind and body. It is the best natural remedy, you can even eat them raw because they give a very blessed feeling and help the body to adapt to stress because of their adaptogenic properties.

8. Chamomile

There are many instances where you must have seen or heard the mention of chamomile, most commonly as a tea. They are an herbal remedy that helps you with your anxiety. Some of the studies prove that when you take at least 1500 mg of chamomile in any form, it reduces your anxiety symptoms. They have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant and relaxing properties.

9. Pumpkin Seeds

There are studies that have proven that when you take potassium-rich foods, you reduce the symptoms of anxiety and stress. The pumpkin seeds are one example and the other is banana. They also contain mineral zinc which is important for brain and nerve development. It means that having them in your diet will help to boost your mood.

10. Dark Chocolate

Now, this is good news for all the dark chocolate lovers which is quite the majority. The thought of chocolate only boosts half of the mood of people but when you eat it, you go to a complete heaven. It is still unclear as to how it does that but it is not out of the equation. Well, the common thing is that chocolates contain tryptophan which is a mood-boosting neurotransmitter like the serotonin in the brain. So, people do remember to include them in their diet in a healthy amount which is 1 to 3 grams and choose those who have 70% or more cacao.

Conclusion

So, we have reached the end of the list of delicious treats for your body that will surely help to reduce your anxiety and boost your mood. It is essential to consider these because for a productive day and a good mental state, you need to take care of yourself. If you are not willing to do it, then even going for an outing won’t work. Cheers (with the herbal tea) to us taking care of ourselves and boosting our mood by keeping our anxiety in control!