10 delicious foods that calm your mind and slash Cortisol levels naturally

Time of India

03-07-2025

Feeling stressed? Your diet can help. Certain foods can lower cortisol, the stress hormone. Leafy greens, dark chocolate, and green tea are beneficial. Salmon, avocado, and legumes also help. Berries, nuts, eggs, and chia seeds contribute to stress reduction. These foods contain nutrients like omega-3s and antioxidants. Incorporating them into your diet can promote calmness and well-being.
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10 delicious foods that calm your mind and slash
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Feeling drained and exhausted? Your kitchen might hold the key to a more peaceful mind. Chronic stress raises cortisol levels , which affects everything from your sleep to your skin. High cortisol levels can cause fatigue, anxiety, and even puffiness, but the good news is that certain foods can help naturally reduce those levels.The term "cortisol face," which is frequently linked to facial and neck puffiness and edema, refers to a stress hormone that the adrenal glands generate in reaction to stressful events.Eye, cheek, and jaw puffiness can result from the lymphatic system being impacted by too much cortisol. Anecdotal evidence indicates that cortisol face may be linked to steroids or Cushing's syndrome, a rare disorder brought on by excessive cortisol production, notwithstanding the paucity of scientific research on the subject.Inflammation, infection, exhaustion, irritability, headaches, brain fog, acne, sleeplessness, weight gain, anxiety, and depression are among the health problems that can result from elevated cortisol levels.Stress management techniques include mindfulness, meditation, physical activity, counseling, and getting enough restful sleep.A well-balanced diet that is high in omega-3, magnesium, fiber, and antioxidants but low in processed carbohydrates, saturated fats, excessive alcohol, and caffeine can help lower cortisol levels.These ten everyday foods have been shown to support calmer moods and healthier stress responses, as per a report by Vogue.• Avocado: It has a lot of potassium and magnesium, which help you sleep and relax your muscles by lowering cortisol levels.• Green tea: It has a lot of antioxidant polyphenols called catechins and L-theanine, which help you relax and give you energy.• Leafy greens: Spinach, arugula, and kale are full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and folate, which can help keep cortisol levels stable and support a healthy gut microbiome.• Salmon: This fish is high in healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower cortisol levels. Fish oil can stop the adrenal glands from working too hard when you're stressed.• Eggs: Choline, an important nutrient, is good for your brain and helps you feel less stressed and anxious.• Chia seeds: They are high in omega-3s, which are good for reducing inflammation and lowering cortisol levels.• Legumes: Chickpeas, beans, fava beans, lentils, and peas are all legumes that are high in fiber and good for your gut health and blood sugar levels.• Berries: Antioxidants that fight free radicals lower cortisol and oxidative stress levels.• Nuts: Nuts are good for you because they have good fats, magnesium, B vitamins, and antioxidants that help you relax.• Bitter chocolate: Dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa is full of antioxidants and can help lower the stress response of the adrenal glands and the release of cortisol.Yes! Berries, salmon, and leafy greens are examples of foods high in magnesium , omega-3s, and antioxidants that can help calm your nervous system and lower cortisol levels.A handful of berries with nuts or dark chocolate and green tea can be a quick mood-boosting snack.