Fruits and Saffron: Natural remedies for reducing stress and depression
Written By: Zahra Rashidi
When it comes to improving mood and reducing stress, some of us think of saffron because one of its unique properties includes anxiety relief. However, studies have shown that certain fruits, due to their specific vitamins and nutrients, can also help improve mood and reduce depression. In this report, we explore more about controlling stress with certain fruits.
The release of the hormone cortisol in the body causes stress. Some foods and drinks increase the secretion of this hormone, while others help reduce it significantly. Eating good food for stress and anxiety is one of the simplest ways to manage these negative emotions.
Studies have shown that certain fruits, including pineapple, kiwi, strawberries, bananas, and pomegranate, can help reduce stress more effectively than any medication.
If you’re looking for a fruit that naturally and quickly helps improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression, don’t forget bananas. This popular fruit contains specific compounds that can enhance feelings of happiness and calmness. Bananas contain tryptophan, an essential amino acid that converts to serotonin. As an important neurotransmitter, serotonin plays a key role in regulating mood, emotions, and sleep.
Doctors also say that regularly consuming these fruits as part of your diet is a natural and effective way to improve both mental and physical health.
Which foods increase stress?
Foods made with sugar and refined carbohydrates can increase stress levels. This includes cookies, cakes, sugary drinks, and carbohydrates like white bread and pasta. These foods lead to stress because they cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, which the body has to regulate.
When blood sugar rises, the body must produce insulin to bring it back down. This process causes a domino effect on other hormones in your body, which can lead to an increase in cortisol, the primary stress hormone.
Caffeine is another substance that can contribute to increased stress. It can overstimulate the body’s natural stress response and disrupt sleep, which is crucial for managing stress. Your body needs sleep to cleanse itself, so if you consume caffeinated beverages, try to drink them in moderation early in the day.
Saffron contains a compound called carotenoid, which helps the body resist stress and significantly reduces depression and anxiety. It also increases a person’s overall sense of happiness.
Other components in saffron, such as safranal and alpha-crocin, can help eliminate and prevent depression.
While saffron has many beneficial properties, using it to combat serious stress problems should not replace specialized methods for managing stress and anxiety.
Some people believe that using spices is a suitable way to reduce stress, but in severe cases, medication may be prescribed to treat certain symptoms. Doctors believe that medication should only be considered a short-term treatment and must be prescribed under close medical supervision. Be sure to revisit your doctor after completing a course of medication, and never change your medication dosage on your own.
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