5 Types of Food to Eat If You Have Anxiety

With the recent outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, it has caused many confusion, panic, and anxiety among people. In Singapore, there's a sharp increase in the number of calls to mental health helplines by 50%. We are here to assure you that even though tough times have come but they have not come to stay. We have come up with a list of items that you can eat if you are feeling anxious so that you can feel better and overcome this period together with us!

Salmon

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First up on this list, we have salmon! If you've read the previous article regarding 5 Types of Food Nutrient-Dense Food (insert link), you'll notice that salmon is there too! Salmon is not only nutritious to the human body, but it also helps to reduce anxiety. Salmon contains vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which are nutrients that can promote brain health. When you consume EPA and DHA, they help to regulate your neurotransmitter dopamine serotonin which could help you to feel calm and relaxed.

Chamomile

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If you're a tea person, chances are you have encountered this herb before! Chamomile is an herb that has a high amount of antioxidants which helps to reduce inflammation, and as a result, it may also help in reducing anxiety. According to research, those who have been diagnosed with a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) have shown improvements after consuming chamomile extract as compared to those that didn't.

Turmeric

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If you love spices, try adding turmeric into your dishes. Turmeric is a spice that contains curcumin which helps to promote brain health and avert anxiety disorder. Aside from its main benefit, curcumin is also a strong antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties that can prevent damage to brain cells.

Dark Chocolate

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Dark Chocolate has a special component called flavonols. Flavonols are antioxidants that help to improve the functioning of the brain by improving the blood flow and increasing the ability to adapt to stressful situations. Working from home can be stressful as well, so the next time you’re feeling uneasy, try munching on some dark chocolate bars!

Yogurt

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Yogurt is not only good for digestion, but it also helps to combat anxiety. Some of the ingredients used to make yogurts include probiotics or healthy bacteria which has been proven to improve your overall well-being including your mental health. Some studies have shown that individuals who consume yogurt with probiotics have a better time coping with anxiety as compared to those who did not.

In conclusion, if you are having anxiety, we would like to let you know that it's alright! It's normal to feel frantic or nervous when things are changing. The next time you feel anxious, why not try some of the mentioned above as it will help you to cope better with anxiety.