FOOD THERAPY: Best Food To Fight Stress

      Balanced nutrition is essential to maintaining overall good health, but it also can affect your capacity to cope with stress. When you are going through a period of stress, you need more of all nutrients, particularly the B vitamins, which affect the nervous system, and calcium, which is needed to counteract the lactic acid your tense muscles produce. Likewise if you are lacking nutrients, your body will not be equipped to handle stress effectively.

       So, when I talk about calming foods, I don't mean so-called comfort foods. I mean meals and snacks that will truly soothe and calm you. Whether it's because of the specific nutrients they provide or the steady, reliable source of energy they give you, they'll get you through the day feeling focused, even, and balanced. Therefore, you will have the ability to conquer anything. These 3 foods might surprise you with their stealthy health benefits that you can apply in you daily routine as a student.

1) AVOCADO

       It may seem weird for a fruit to contain fat, but avocados are one of the few produce items that do. Their heart-protecting mono-unsaturated fats are actually one of the things that make them so healthy. Eating these green guys can help lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. So, go ahead and have some of the guacamole.

2) SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS

       Thanks to the iron and protein from the beef, lycopene from the tomato sauce and energy-producing carbs from the pasta, this dish is a healthy trifecta. I you stick to modest portions and lean beef, you can enjoy its benefits without overdoing it. Limit yourself to three ounces of meat and a cup of cooked pasta per serving. Pump up the health benefits by using whole-wheat pasta and adding mushrooms to the meatballs to add fiber and cut fat.

3) BANANA

       Often bashed for their high sugar and carb content, banana are a ridiculously healthy fruit that everyone can enjoy. A small banana has the same calories, carbs and fiber as an apple. They also come packed with vitamins C and B6 and good for your heart potassium. Try slicing and baking them for a sweet snack.

JACYNTHA LAURA ANAK BENIT (49721)