At work, it’s one meeting after another, the children need to go to the dentist and the household chores await you in the evening. For many people this is the daily routine, and it can be quite stressful. This makes it all the more important to keep a cool head and spare our nerves when we can. Fortunately, we can support the functionality of our strained nervous system with the right nerve food.
Let go of stress!
You’ve probably experienced this feeling when, after a period of acute stress, your appetite suddenly becomes huge. This is hardly surprising. In physically and mentally demanding situations your body uses a lot of energy, which increases your desire for high-calorie food. But slow down. Don’t reach automatically for calorie bombs like fast food or sweets. They give you a short-term energy boost, but it doesn’t last. Focus on foods with high nutritional value.
Nerve food contains many nutrients
Some micro and macronutrients are necessary to protect the body from stress-related deficiencies. B vitamins are particularly suitable. But foods with high vitamin C and E content are also beneficial. In addition, many minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium and zinc are needed to support muscle and nerve cells.
Nerve food: Eat these foods
Green vegetables – Whether chard, spinach, broccoli or savoy cabbage, every green vegetable contains lots of vitamin C, minerals and even iron. This supplies the blood with more oxygen, significantly enhancing concentration and performance.
Bananas – This yellow fruit is not just a super food; it’s also a happy food! Because it contains vitamin B6, which contributes to the production of serotonin, the “happiness hormone”. Bananas also contain large amounts of magnesium and potassium.
Oatmeal – Starting your day with a bowl of oatmeal is a good decision in many ways. In addition to B vitamins, the flakes also contain tryptophan, which also helps with the production of serotonin. Oatmeal not only lifts your mood; it helps you feel full for a long time.
Cocoa – Good news for those of us with a sweet tooth: Cocoa has a stress-reducing effect. In addition to tryptophan, cocoa also contains flavonoids. These secondary plant substances are natural antioxidants that protect body cells and thus effectively support the cardiovascular system. So feel free to reach for a piece of chocolate with high cocoa content more often.
Legumes – Small powerhouses like lentils or peas should not be missed. They are also rich in B vitamins and minerals such as zinc and potassium. In addition, legumes have a wide range of culinary uses. So including legumes in your diet several times a week is ideal.
Nuts & seeds – Before you reach for crisps, buy a pack of trail mix instead. Hazelnuts, almonds and sunflowers are chock-full of nerve food. Containing many B vitamins and minerals, nuts and seeds are known to be the perfect brain food.
Arrive at your destination relaxed and well-nourished
To ensure that stress just bounces off you in future, make sure you take enough rest breaks, consciously relax and eat a varied diet. Make sure the food you eat is fresh. The less processed foods are, the higher their nutritional content, which in turn positively affects your well-being. If you don’t have time to cook, the smart kitchen appliances from Panasonic will help you prepare meals quickly and easily. Our blog contains lots of stress-free recipes for you.
