Three foods that can help you fight stress

The end of the year is a stressful period for most people. Scores of students are wrapping up their exams, while many adults are dealing with financial and/or work stress. 

Studies have shown that too much stress can lead to thoughts of suicide or exacerbate existing feelings of suicide. 

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South Africa has an alarming suicide rate. A Burden of Disease study conducted by the SA Medical Research Centre found that more than 6,000 people killed themselves in 2012.

People suffering from chronic stress need to seek professional help, but mild stress can also affect your emotions, and day-to-day life. 

If you want to reduce some of the stress and anxiety in your life, then you might want to try eating some of these foods.

Eating certain foods can affect your mood, and make you feel happier. 

They won't take your problems away, but they can make you feel a lot better. 

Stay away from eating junk food or foods that contain too much sugar as they can cause your blood sugar levels to increase - which will negatively affect your adrenal glands. These glands, among other things, secrete adrenaline to help control stress. 

Avocados 

Avocados are rich in B-vitamins, which are known to help reduce stress. A study by the Swinburne University in Melbourne found that vitamin B supplements were beneficial to people suffering from work related stress. 

Blueberries

One of the number one foods for fighting stress is blueberries. The tiny fruit is rich in vitamin C, which can help with stress. Blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries are also good sources of vitamin C. This vitamin helps to clear the stress hormone, cortisol, in your system. According to Psychology Today,  high levels of cortisol and chronic stress could increase your risk for depression

Dark chocolate

Suffering from PMS symptoms like depression and/or irritability? Eating dark chocolate might help. Dark chocolate is not only a healthier way to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings, but research has shown that it can also make you feel happier. Other studies have also shown that eating about 42-grams of dark chocolate every day for two weeks reduced stress hormone levels in the body. 

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