[ Photo by Freepik.com] Here are 5 powerful reasons to give someone a squeeze today Hugging is very comforting. In addition, there is no substitution for that warm feeling of holding someone in your arms (or being held). The coronavirus pandemic evidenced it well when hugs were probably at the top of the list of things you missed the most. The isolation and lack of human connection made quarantining very difficult. We hug when we’re excited, happy, sad, or seeking comfort. Hugging makes us feel good. And it turns out that it makes us healthier too. There’s strong evidence that giving your loved ones an affectionate squeeze can actually be good for your health. So check out 5 health benefits of hugs! Hugs boost your immune system Hugs can make you feel good – and stronger too. Hugging can boost levels of natural killer cells, lymphocytes, immunoglobulins, and other immune-boosting cells. Touching and hugging can also affect our body’s immune response through hormone regulation, includi
Living a modern lifestyle can easily stress us out. So here is some healthy food to help you relax!
Feeling nervous? You won’t feel any better devouring a bowl of ice cream or a slice of pizza. They may make you feel better momentarily, but the spike in your blood sugar they cause will eventually drop – and then you will feel the low. Living a modern, dynamic lifestyle with so many commitments, responsibilities, and to-do lists can easily stress us out – especially in pandemic times. Thus we often look for comfort in junk food, which is not good for our health. Luckily, some foods can make you feel better, happier, and less stressed. So check these five anti-stress foods to calm your nerves!
Chamomile
Who has never had chamomile tea to calm down? Chamomile contains high amounts of antioxidants proven to reduce inflammation, which might decrease the risk of anxiety. Many people worldwide use chamomile tea as an herbal remedy because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and relaxant properties. A recent study by the Bendheim Center for Integrative Medicine (US) found that chamomile reduced anxiety symptoms, but it didn’t prevent new episodes.
Dark Chocolate
Chocolate is delicious – and can help you relax! No wonder when you are nervous, you crave a bite of chocolate. But beware: not all kinds of chocolates are beneficial: some are loaded with sugar. So, if you want to get the most out of this treat, always prefer the dark one, rich in flavonoids and tryptophan. While flavonoid reduces neuroinflammation and cell death in the brain, tryptophan enables serotonin production, a natural mood stabilizer that helps reduce depression and regulate anxiety. A study by the University of Dammam (Saudi Arabia) with highly stressed individuals showed that participants had significantly lower stress levels after consuming 40 grams of dark chocolate every day.
Eggs
Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants… You can find it all inside an eggshell! Whole eggs are rich in choline, a nutrient found in only a few foods. Choline produces acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays an essential role in regulating memory, mood, and intelligence. A study by Colby College (US) indicated that choline supplements aid stress response and boost mood. Thus, it is essential in brain health and may protect against stress. Eggs are also rich in tryptophan, which helps create serotonin – also known as “happy chemical” because it contributes to well-being and happiness.
Salmon
Fatty fish are excellent for brain health – and also for reducing anxiety! Salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout, and herring are high in omega-3, a fatty acid related to cognitive function and mental health. The omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) help regulate the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, which have calming and relaxing properties. A study by the University of Bergen(Norway) showed that individuals who ate salmon three times a week for five months reported less anxiety than those who ate chicken, pork, or beef.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a delicious and healthy snack – and it can help you relax! Some types of yogurt have probiotics, or healthy bacteria, which inhibit free radicals and neurotoxins that damage nerve tissue in the brain and lead to anxiety. Thus, they can improve several aspects of your well-being, including mental health and brain function. A study by the University of Helsinki (Finland) demonstrated that anxious individuals who consumed probiotic yogurt daily were better able to cope with stress.
by Bianca Neri
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