The Decaturian is Millikin's student-run newspaper. The opinions reflected may not be those of Millikin as an institution.

The Decaturian

The Decaturian is Millikin's student-run newspaper. The opinions reflected may not be those of Millikin as an institution.

The Decaturian

The Decaturian is Millikin's student-run newspaper. The opinions reflected may not be those of Millikin as an institution.

The Decaturian

Midterms: Eat your stress goodbye

We’ve all heard that stress eating is one of the worst things a person can do for his or her health, but according to Men’s Fitness, five “super foods” stick out among the rest that not only taste good, but also can help relieve your stress due to the midterms lurking ahead.

The first “super food” is the avocado. Anxious feelings can be connected to vitamin B deficiency, and avocados are full of this nutrient. Vitamin B also promotes healthy nerves and brain cells, which is never a bad thing with midterms in the near future. They also help lower blood pressure since they are high in monounsaturated fat and potassium, which will also help your stress levels go down.

Blueberries may be small, but they are certainly mighty, thus qualifying them for the second “super food.” They contain vitamin C antioxidants, which are needed to repair and protect cells when our bodies are riddled with stress. Add these tasty stress fighters to a bowl of yogurt or a high-fiber cereal and feel the stress leave your body.

“Super food” number three is none other than the trusty old orange. The vitamin C found in oranges is known for lowering blood pressure and the stress hormone, cortisol. Not only that, but the vitamin C will help boost your immune system, which can become weak when the body is stressed. In reality, you hit two birds with one stone with this round little miracle. So in the mornings when you sit down to breakfast, grab yourself a good old cup of OJ and start the day off right.

Story continues below advertisement

Although most people don’t consider the fourth “super food” to be all that delicious, spinach is loaded with magnesium, which is the mineral that helps regulate cortisol levels and promote feelings of wellbeing. It is easy to slip spinach into an omelet, salad, or even onto a sandwich, without even tasting it. One cup of spinach is enough to fill 40 percent of the amount needed daily.

Typically a Thanksgiving Day favorite, turkey is the last “super food” that can also help reduce stress levels. The reason many people feel sleepy after a big turkey dinner is due to the amino acid tryptophan found in turkey. This amino acid tells the brain to release serotonin, the happiness chemical, which tells your body to be calm, and in some cases, tired.

Although eating your stress away usually isn’t a good idea, it is an option if the right foods are consumed. So instead of heading to the fridge to grab a pint of your favorite ice cream when the stress becomes overwhelming, grab one of these “super foods” instead. Not only will this reduce your stress, but it will also save you from gaining a little stress weight, which is always a bonus.

Leave a Comment

Comments (0)

All The Decaturian Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *