Food not only provides the body with essential nutrients, but it can also help to reduce anxiety. Anxiety is closely linked to the stress response, which allows us to survive difficult situations.
Some foods have been shown to have properties that can help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve mental health. It is important to note, however, that there are no miracle foods capable of directly treating mental health issues.
Check out this list of foods that naturally reduce anxiety!
Foods that can naturally reduce anxiety
- Avocado
Avocado fruit is rich in nutrients, including various B vitamins. Avocados contain the vitamins B9, B3, B5, B2, and B6. According to research, eating foods high in B vitamins can help reduce symptoms of anxiety.
- Blueberries
Various studies have shown that blueberries have numerous health benefits, including improved heart health, increased bone strength, lower blood pressure, cancer prevention, digestive health, and mental and cognitive health.
Blueberries can be consumed in a variety of ways, including fresh, frozen, juices, smoothies, and in various food and beverage recipes.
- Foods rich in calcium
According to research, consuming calcium-rich foods and beverages such as milk, cheese, and other dairy products can help to reduce anxiety and promote a better mood. Calcium is important for nerve function and neurotransmitter production in the brain.Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, is associated with a good mood and happiness.
Calcium also plays a role in the autonomic nervous system, which controls the body's response to stress. Consuming enough calcium can help maintain autonomic nervous balance and reduce excessive stress responses.
- Eggs
According to research, low vitamin D intake is associated with an increased risk of anxiety and depression symptoms. Eggs are a vitamin D-rich food that is readily available on a daily basis.
You can naturally increase your vitamin D intake by eating eggs on a daily basis.
- Green vegetables
Green vegetables are recommended to be consumed on a daily basis as they are high in fiber and magnesium. Magnesium is an essential mineral that aids in neurotransmitter regulation and muscle function.
Magnesium deficiency is linked to a variety of health problems, including anxiety and mood disorders.
- Nuts and seeds
Aside from green vegetables, nuts and seeds are another good source of magnesium. Eating nuts like almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and other legumes on a regular basis can help the body maintain magnesium levels, which can benefit both mental and physical health.
- Oranges
Oranges contain high levels of vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps to improve mood and reduce negative stress responses. A study found that people with low mood and frequent anxiety had a diet low in vitamin C.
However, more research is needed to determine the relationship between vitamin C-rich food consumption and mood and anxiety improvements.
If you experience constant anxiety, fear, or worry, or if anxiety interferes with your daily activities, you should see a doctor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Anxiety disorders can have serious consequences for one's physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
Looking for more information about nutrition, food, and other diet tips? Click here!
- dr Nadia Opmalina
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Medline Plus (2023). Anxiety. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html
Annette McDermott and Karen Lamoreux (2024). 10 Natural Ways to Reduce Anxiety. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/natural-ways-to-reduce-anxiety
Erika Watts (2022). Vitamin B6 may reduce anxiety symptoms, study shows. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/vitamin-b6-may-reduce-anxiety-symptoms-study-shows
Megan Ware, RD, LD (2023). Everything you need to know about blueberries. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/287710
Chen Du, et al. (2022). Relationships between Dairy and Calcium Intake and Mental Health Measures of Higher Education Students in the United States: Outcomes from Moderation Analyses. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8877188/
Serife Akpinar and Makbule Gezmen Karadag (2022). Is Vitamin D Important in Anxiety or Depression? What Is the Truth?. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9468237
Uma Naidoo, MD (2019). Nutritional strategies to ease anxiety. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-strategies-to-ease-anxiety-201604139441
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