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These 6 Superfoods Can Help You Beat Your Anxiety

By Loren Gutentag · May 2, 2024

6 Secret Foods to Help Beat Anxiety

As the saying goes, you are what you eat. But is there any truth to food influencing mental health and anxiety? Nutritional psychiatrists continue to research the gut-brain connection, and recent studies are saying, yes!

While many individuals find it hard to believe that the gut, which is far in distance from the brain, could play a role in mental health, a report in the Washington Post earlier this year found that the gut and brain are in fact in constant conversation about digestion, appetite and even your mood.

Scroll to discover 6 secret foods that can help you keep anxiety at bay.  Photo by Anna Pelzer on Unsplash

Extra Dark Chocolate

Rich in iron and polyphenols, dark chocolate has been associated with mood enhancement. Pair it with citrus fruits like clementines or oranges for an added boost of vitamin C, aiding iron absorption.  Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

Leafy Greens

Packed with fiber, folate, and lutein, these greens not only support physical health but also contribute to reducing depression, as suggested by research.  Photo by Pille R. Priske on Unsplash

Avocados

Enjoy a quarter or half of a small avocado several times a week. Loaded with fiber, potassium, vitamin E, and magnesium, avocados provide a nutritional powerhouse that supports mental health. Whether in guacamole, with scrambled eggs, or on toast, avocados offer a versatile addition to your diet.  Photo by John Vid on Unsplash

Broccoli

Make broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage staples in your anti-anxiety diet. Rich in sulforaphane, these veggies help combat inflammation in the gut.  Photo by tyrrell_fitness_and_nutrition on Unsplash

Green Tea

Containing antioxidants like EGCG and L-theanine, green tea has been shown to reduce stress-related symptoms such as depression and anxiety. However, be mindful of caffeine intake. Opt for a decaffinated green tea option.  Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

Beans or Lentils

 Incorporating beans and lentils into your meals serve as an excellent source of fiber. Supporting gut health, these legumes contribute to stable blood sugar levels and sustained energy.  Photo by Tijana Drndarski on Unsplash