One of the primary concerns with prostate cancer is that the disease can progress to an advanced stage and become life-threatening. That is truly the case for most cancers, which is why medical experts stress the importance of early detection. They also harp on maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle habits to reduce the risk of cancer. And new research further amplifies this point, showing that eating a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts and seeds can reduce the risk of prostate cancer spreading. 

The study, which was recently published in JAMA Network Open, made an interesting discovery. Researchers noted that men with prostate cancer who consume a high amount of plant-based foods can cut their risk of cancer growth by nearly 50% compared to those who don’t eat a lot of plant-based foods. Consuming a predominantly plant-based diet has been associated with better prostate cancer-specific outcomes. It may also help reduce the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and overall mortality. Making small changes in your diet to focus on more plant-based foods can do more good than you know!

Plant-Based Diet May Control Prostate Cancer

The study involved more than 2,000 men who were at an average age of 65 years old at the start. They all had a diagnosis of non-metastatic prostate cancer, meaning it hadn’t spread to other parts of the body. Each participant completed a comprehensive diet and lifestyle questionnaire to provide details about their eating habits. 

During an average 6.5-year period, 190 participants experienced a progression in prostate cancer, and 61 died from prostate cancer-specific causes. Study authors then determined that the participants who consumed the highest amounts of plant-based foods experienced a 47% lower risk of prostate cancer spreading than the men who ate fewer plant-based foods.

Small Dietary Changes Can Make A Difference

It can be difficult to make the complete switch to plant-based, but you don’t have to. Ideally, you simply add more plant-based foods to your diet and if you consume meat, focus on lean protein that is high-quality. Study authors noted that in comparison to the lowest level of plant-based consumption, the highest meant eating 1.9 more portions of vegetables, 1.6 more servings of fruit, and 0.9 more servings of whole grains per day. 

What does that mean in relation to a plate of food? Well, a standard serving of fruit, for example, can be one medium apple, banana, orange, or pear. A half-cup of brown rice is a single serving of whole grains, while a half-cup of cooked or one cup of raw broccoli or carrots counts as a single portion of vegetables. People who eat higher quantities of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits on a regular basis also eat fewer animal-based foods, on average. That could mean that they eat fewer eggs, one less serving of dairy, and marginally less meat. And since a growing body of research indicates that eating more plant-based foods reduces the risk of prostate cancer, you may want to consider eating more of these foods. 

A Plant-Based Diet Offers Numerous Benefits

There have been many previous studies and reviews related to the potential protective effects of plant-based foods for prostate health. Why is a plant-based diet so beneficial for the prostate? Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants and phytochemicals, which may prevent free radical damage that can harm cells. Animal-based foods, such as processed meats and red meat, are carcinogens, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Consuming dairy products also increases the risk of worse prostate cancer outcomes. A plant-based dietary program helps you steer clear of harmful foods and shifts your focus to foods that help the body. 

Prostate Cancer Is Most Common Among Men In the United States

After skin cancer, prostate cancer is still the most common cancer among men in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that 299,010 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in 2024 alone; roughly 35,000 men will die from the condition. Even though six out of every 10 prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65, dietary changes early on in life can make a big difference. 

It is never too late to make a dietary change. You don’t have to become a vegan straight away, but including more plant-based foods in your daily diet can help a lot. Incorporate more of these foods daily and try out one day of complete plant-based eating every week. Try for two days a week if you can! Greater consumption of plant-based foods may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer and improve overall quality of life.

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You have to love a sheet pan meal or side dish. Much like a one pot meal, a sheet pan meal is convenient, easy, and doesn’t require many dishes. No need for separate pots and pans! Ain’t nobody got time to do all of those dishes! So…we are pulling off this trusty side dish that requires minimal prep time and very few dishes. Unsurprisingly, it tastes pretty amazing straight off the pan!

This side dish features tender roasted baby potatoes, a flavorful and zesty lemon dressing, and soft asparagus that have a slight crunch. The addition of fresh lemon wedges on the sheet pan helps impart more lemon flavor into the potatoes and asparagus. It’s a great entree or side dish for anyone following a vegan or vegetarian diet. Should you want to add different vegetables to this pan, you can do so, but make sure not to overcrowd the pan. If you find that your pan is too crowded, divide the vegetable mixture across two separate sheet pans.

The only thing to keep in mind with this recipe is that you may want to cut the vegetables so that they are uniform in size. If the baby potatoes are small enough, you may want to halve or quarter them so they cook evenly with the asparagus. Otherwise, you can boil the baby potatoes for about five minutes before baking them. Cutting them into smaller pieces means no boiling and fewer dishes for you to wash. Choose wisely and enjoy the recipe!

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Before we get started on great late-night snacks that support weight loss, let’s take note of a 2015 study that revealed snacking at night leads to overeating. As you know, overeating contributes to weight gain. However, if you plan to go to bed and hear your stomach growling, it is very tempting to reach for something quick and tasty. The problem is that most people reach for the wrong snacks to hold them over. 

Sometimes, it’s very possible that you did not eat enough during the day and need a snack to tide you over until morning. There are many hunger-curbing snacks that are healthy to enjoy before bed. The key is to choose low-calorie foods that keep you full without exceeding your caloric limit. Choose from the following healthy late-night snacks when hunger strikes. 

Oatmeal

There’s nothing wrong with a little A.M in the P.M. A bowl of warm oatmeal is quite the filling late-night snack because it is rich in fiber, offering four grams per half cup of uncooked oats. One serving of plain oatmeal has about 160 calories, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It is low in fat and sugar, provided you don’t use those packets of processed oatmeals. Cook your oats in water and season them with cinnamon and a little maple syrup to keep the calories down. 

Fruit With Nut Butter

Some people argue against eating fruit at night because it can ferment in the gut overnight. As long as you know your digestive system, you can plan to eat the right fruits, which are typically low in calories and high in fiber. If you want a sweet treat, opt for fruit instead of ice cream or cake because the natural sugar will satisfy your sweet tooth. Consider eating whole fruits, such as grapes, apples, pears, cherries, berries, or grapes, all of which provide about 80 calories per cup. If you need something a little more substantial than fruit, try dipping your fruit in either low-fat yogurt, natural peanut butter, or almond butter. Be careful with how much nut butter you eat, though, because it can have about 90-100 calories per tablespoon. 

Popcorn

Do not grab a packet of movie theater popcorn and eat the entire thing while watching Netflix. If you want to get your crunch on, sub those unhealthy chips and crackers with air-popped popcorn. One serving of popped popcorn without butter offers just 31 calories. You don’t have to eat it plain; rather, you can season your popcorn with some garlic powder, black pepper, chili powder, or other seasonings to liven up the flavor. You can choose to put nutritional yeast on the popcorn for a cheesy flavor, but keep in mind that a two tablespoon serving contains 50 calories. 

Veggies And Hummus

Vegetables are some of the lowest calorie foods you can enjoy, and they typically contain a lot of water and fiber. One cup of raw carrot sticks, celery, bell peppers, snap peas, cucumber, broccoli, or zucchini offers between 25 to 50 calories. In addition to helping you feel full, vegetables provide lots of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, all of which benefit overall health. To provide extra sustenance, dip your vegetables in one to two tablespoons of hummus. Eating too much hummus will increase your caloric intake a lot, so be careful with your portions. 

Protein-Rich Foods

Don’t go grab a tomahawk steak and eat it like a caveman; rather, focus on high-fiber, protein-rich foods that move slowly through the digestive tract. A great high-protein and healthy fat option is mixed nuts. Just be mindful of your portions because an ounce provides 170 calories. You can also consume low-fat yogurt with some berries. Eggs can also be a great source of proteins, with one large hard-boiled egg providing 75 calories.

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What does vitamin E do and are there vegan sources of this fat-soluble vitamin? Yes and yes. Vitamin E comes in several forms, but alpha-tocopherol is the only one used by the human body. The primary role of vitamin E is to act as an antioxidant, fighting free radicals that can damage cells. It also works to optimize immune function and prevent clots from forming in heart arteries.

What Is Vitamin E? 

Antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin E, became known to the public in the 1980s, when scientists started to understand that free radical damage was a part of the early stages of atherosclerosis. Free radical damage may also contribute to cancer, vision loss, and many other chronic health conditions. Vitamin E works to protect cells from these damaging free radicals, while simultaneously reducing the body’s production of free radicals in certain situations. There is conflicting evidence, however, on whether or not high doses of vitamin E can actually prevent chronic diseases.

Recommended Amounts

According to research, the recommended daily intake (RDI) for vitamin E for males and females  ages 14 years and older is 15 milligrams (mg) per day. If monitoring vitamin E intake in international units (iu), consume 22 iu per day, and that goes for pregnant women as well. Lactating women need a little more at 19 mg, or 28 iu per day. The following recommendations for vitamin E intake are for people under the age of 14: 

• 0-6 months: 4 mg per day
• 7-12 months: 5 mg per day
• 1-3 years: 6 mg per day
• 4-8 years: 7 mg per day
• 9-13 years: 11 mg per day

Vegan Sources Of Vitamin E

Vitamin E exists in a lot of plant-based foods, including oils, nuts and seeds (including nut and seed butters), fruits, and vegetables. The following foods are considered the top 10 vegan sources of vitamin E. We will list their serving sizes with the amount of vitamin E in mg for your knowledge.

• Almonds: 7.4 mg of vitamin E per 1/4 cup
• Sunflower seeds: 6.9 mg of vitamin E per 1/4 cup
• Spinach: 4.6 mg of vitamin E per one cup of cooked spinach
• Hazelnuts: 4.3 mg of vitamin E per 1/4 cup
• Swiss chard: 4 mg of vitamin E per one cup of cooked chard
• Turnip greens: 3.7 mg of vitamin E per one cup of cooked greens
• Mustard greens: 3.3 mg of vitamin E per one cup of cooked greens
• Kiwi: 2.5 mg of vitamin E per 1 medium fruit
• Broccoli: 2.2 mg of vitamin E per one cup of cooked broccoli
• Mango: 2 mg of vitamin E per one medium fruit

Signs of Vitamin E Deficiency 

Vitamin E is found in many vegan and non-vegan foods, in addition to various supplements. That makes the vitamin E deficiency rate in the United States very low, even rare. That said, people with digestive disorders, or those who cannot properly absorb fat, can develop a vitamin E deficiency. If you cannot absorb fat, you may have cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis, celiac disease, or other similar disease. The common signs of a vitamin E deficiency include:

• Peripheral neuropathy (damage to the peripheral nerves, usually in the hands or feet, which can cause weakness or pain)
• Decreased immune function
• Retinopathy (damage to the retina, which can impair vision)
• Ataxia (loss of control of body movements)

Conclusion

Vitamin E is an integral nutrient for preventing oxidative damage and maintaining overall health. Because there are many food sources and supplements, you should not have a problem eating the RDI of vitamin E per day, no matter what diet you follow. Fresh is always best, so include a variety of nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and other fruits and vegetables in your diet to meet your vitamin E needs.

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Constipation is defined by a person who has not had bowel movement in a few days. Lacking bowel movements while on a trip is referred to as vacation constipation or travel constipation. This can be highly inconvenient and uncomfortable, and it is usually brought on by alterations to your normal routine. Drinking less water, eating meals at odd times, and other alterations can mess up your digestive system and back you up.

What Causes Constipation?

There are several things that can cause constipation. Sometimes, more than one cause at a time is backing you up. The following causes can result in constipation:

• Functional gastrointestinal disorders (IBD or IBS)
• Not going to the restroom when you feel the urge
• Certain vitamins or medications
• Reduced physical activity
• Lack of fiber in your diet 
• Not drinking enough water
• Slow stool movement through the colon

What Causes Travel Constipation?

It is possible for the same causes of regular constipation to cause travel constipation. There are usually other factors at play, though, some of which include:

• Your bowels have not adjusted to your destination
• Changes in the size and timing of your meals
• Increased time spent sitting
• Lack of hydration
• Travel-related stress that affects digestion
• Your sleep schedule is off, due to changing time zones
• The long journey on a plane or road trip limited access to comfortable bathrooms
• Jet lag affects the body as it crosses time zones
• Changes in your exercise routine

If you take the right steps, you can avoid travel constipation and stay regular, wherever your plans take you. Continue reading for tips on how to stay regular while traveling.

Listen To Your Body

This is the first rule to follow because you should go when you feel the urge to go. Ignoring this urge can lead to travel constipation very quickly. If you ignore your body’s urge to eliminate, the stool material stays in your rectum and gets harder. The harder the stool, the harder it is to pass. If you don’t feel comfortable using a public restroom for a bowel movement, try listening to music in your headphones to help you relax and let go. Do your best not to strain! If you can’t eliminate after sitting on the toilet for five to 10 minutes, get up and try again later. 

Move, Eat, And Drink Water At Your Destination

How often your move and what you put in your body dictate how easily and regularly you have bowel movements. Consuming the right foods, drinking enough water, and moving your body can help you avoid constipation during your trip. You don’t have to hit the hotel gym or do HIIT workouts in your room; rather, walking from point A to point B can encourage elimination. Sip water throughout the day, but be mindful of water sources depending on where you’re traveling. Try to incorporate fiber-rich foods, including vegetables, oatmeal, fruits, and legumes into your meals, while also indulging in local delicacies. 

Eat A Good Breakfast

It can be tempting to avoid breakfast while you are on vacation because you either want to sleep in or get the day started. Most people tend to have a bowel movement in the morning, and you’ll enhance that natural urge by consuming a healthy, fiber-rich breakfast. Try to eat a balanced meal and avoid meals that are starch- or protein-heavy. You should, however, consume foods that are rich in healthy fats because they help stimulate the release of hormones that trigger the urge to have a bowel movement.

Drink Lots Of Water

It is very common for people to exert a lot of energy or sweat while traveling, especially in warmer climates. Despite that, it is very common to avoid water, or only drink it when necessary. If you feel that you need water, you are already in a mild state of dehydration. If the body doesn’t have enough fluids, it draws water from fecal matter in the intestines to compensate. That can make stools hard and difficult to pass. While traveling, make a conscious effort to drink plenty of fluids, including water and electrolytes. Regarding fluids, not all fluids are kind to your bowels, such as milk, which has a reputation for causing constipation.

Try To Stay On A Schedule

If you are like most people, then you have your bowel movements narrowed down to a time of day. The body’s internal clock determines hunger, sleep, bathroom needs, and other life patterns. If you keep your body on a consistent schedule, you will help your bowels out a great deal. Whenever possible, make sure you have enough time for a relaxed bathroom visit. That will take less pressure off you and give you a similar bathroom experience to the ones you usually have at home.

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Are our produce losing nutrients? Transported produce may be losing nutrients because of the exposure of light, heat, and air. While they may lose nutrients, it’s still important to have a high intake of fruit and vegetables. They help you to reduce obesity and maintain a healthy weight.

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According to a 2023 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 90% of Americans don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables. To avoid being a statistic, you buy fruits and vegetables and plan to eat them, but something happens: they go bad before you get the chance to use them. You throw out your produce and don’t even bother to compost because it’s too upsetting to throw money down the drain. 

One report found that about 25% of American families throw away one quarter of the food and beverages they buy. Fruits and vegetables comprise 22% of that, while processed produce (canned fruits and vegetables) contribute another 8% of waste to landfills. We don’t say all this to make you feel guilty; rather, we want to help you make the right changes to keep your produce fresh for longer. 

The primary reason people throw their produce away is because they lack the proper storage knowledge. If you do not store your fruits and vegetables properly, they can spoil easily. Do those greenish-yellow bananas you buy turn brown quickly? Do your herbs turn slimy and brown? What about those cucumbers or apples? If you want to stop throwing your fruits and vegetables away, learn from the following tips. 

Limp, Slimy Lettuce

Big heads of lettuce in the grocery store inspire large bowls of salad and optimal health, as they should. The problem is that storing your lettuce improperly can cause those crispy leaves to become soggy, slimy, and limp. Moisture in the fridge causes most fruits and vegetables to lose their crisp texture and go bad. One way to counteract this is to line your fridge’s vegetable drawer with paper towels or terry-cloth towels. In doing so, the towels absorb excess moisture and keep produce, like your lettuce, crispier for a lot longer. The same rule applies for those bagged salads or tubs of greens!

Sprouting Potatoes

If you are tempted to buy the 10-pound bag of potatoes to save some money, make sure that you store them properly if you aren’t going to use them right away. Potatoes start to sprout more quickly if you keep a large bag on hand. To keep your spuds from sprouting, store them in a cool, dry place with as little moisture and sunlight as possible. Some people have had great success keeping potatoes fresh by throwing an apple in with the potatoes, but some experts warn against this. The reason not to do that is because apples emit ethylene, which can encourage sprouting. 

Mushy, Brown Bananas 

Like apples, bananas emit ethylene gas to ripen themselves. Some people swear that wrapping the top of a banana bunch with plastic wrap delays the ripening process, but that doesn’t solve the issue. Ethylene is produced throughout the banana, not just the stem. The best way to store bananas is to hang them on a hook, so that they get plenty of air circulation. Additionally, don’t store them near apples because the ethylene from apples will cause bananas to ripen more quickly. 

Slimy Mushrooms

Mushrooms are great vegetables that can make their way into myriad dishes, unless they become slimy and unappetizing. To avoid a slimy, mushy mess, make sure that you do not store mushrooms in plastic bags. Plastic traps moisture, which causes mildew and mushy mushrooms. Keep mushrooms in a paper bag so that they can breathe and moisture can escape. If you don’t have paper bags, keep mushrooms fresh by keeping them in their original packaging, but poke holes in the plastic to allow ventilation.

Rubbery Celery

Celery can become tasteless if you allow it to go from crispy to rubbery. You can, however, lengthen its time in the fridge if you store it properly. Experts encourage you to separate, wash, and dry the stalks before wrapping them in aluminum foil. That keeps most of the air and moisture in, while still allowing the ethylene gas to escape. If you store celery in a plastic bag, the moisture stays in the bag, which can accelerate the ripening process and turn your celery rubbery. 

Moldy Berries

Berries can be quite pricey, especially if they are not in season. To ensure that you don’t waste your berry money, protect them by giving them a bath in water for 10 seconds. What about soaking them in a vinegar bath? Well, that can leave a vinegar residue and cause your berries to taste unappetizing. Hot water can inhibit mold growth, according to research. The last step is to make sure that your berries are completely dry before storing them in the fridge. The hot water bath and proper drying before fridge storage can help extend their ripeness.

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Get ready for a little zing on your taste buds! This cucumber smoothie is packed with nutrient-dense ingredients, including avocado, spinach, hemp seeds, cucumber, and ginger. It is both light and creamy and avoids the common banana as a thickening ingredient. Plus, this smoothie helps incorporate a variety of ingredients that you may not otherwise use in a smoothie. That is just one of the reasons we love this smoothie! The more diverse your intake of fruit and vegetables is, the healthier you can be!

Cucumber is not an ingredient that typically shows up in a smoothie. It is, however, a common ingredient in juice because it has a high water content. Cucumbers offer some pretty amazing health benefits, including:

• Easing feelings of anxiety
• Reducing the risk of certain cancers
• Supporting optimal brain, digestive, and heart health
• Freshening your breath

Additionally, cucumbers provide a lot of water to help you meet your daily hydration needs. One medium cucumber contains 287 grams of fluid, or about 10 ounces of water. Cucumbers also contain dozens of antioxidants, including flavonoids that work to protect against heart disease. Flavonoids exhibit antioxidant properties that help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. That is the type of cholesterol that increases the risk of stroke and heart disease. It’s safe to say that cucumbers are health superstars!

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From non-organic strawberries to green beans and spinach, certain fruits and vegetables make the Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” list each year. Government lab tests found pesticide residue in nearly all non-organic grapes, peaches, strawberries, green beans, and leafy greens like kale. 

This Environmental Working Group (EWG) makes an annual “Dirty Dozen” list for grocery shoppers. This list is intended to inform shoppers about the top non-organic fruits and vegetables with detectable levels of pesticides. This year, mustard greens, collard greens, and kale topped the list with the most pesticide residue. Reports detected 103 individual chemicals, while hot peppers were next with 101 chemicals. 

Health experts regularly encourage people to eat more fruits and vegetables, organic or not. If consumers are concerned about pesticide exposure, they can use the EWG’s “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean 15” lists  to make better choices for them and their families. Continue reading to learn more about these lists. 

Which Fruits And Vegetables Are On The “Dirty Dozen” List For 2024?

According to the EWG, the following produce items had the highest levels of pesticides by government testing analysis. Keep in mind that the following fruits and vegetables are not listed in any particular order of pesticide residue. 

• Strawberries
• Spinach
• Kale, collard greens, and mustard greens
• Peaches
• Grapes
• Cherries
• Nectarines
• Apples
• Blueberries
• Bell and hot peppers
• Green beans
• Pears

What Pesticides Were Found In The “Dirty Dozen”?

The EWG report noted that four of the five most frequently detected chemicals were fungicides. Two of these fungicides, pyrimethanil and fludioxonil, had the highest concentrations of any pesticides found in the dozen produce items. According to reports, these fungicides are known endocrine disruptors, interfering with the body’s hormone systems responsible for growth and reproduction. 

The reason that fungicides are more commonly detected in non-organic produce items is because they are applied to plants during the growing process. This is to help prevent or completely remove fungus, and they are applied post-harvest to keep produce mold-free during transportation. Before the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) tests for pesticides, the items are peeled, scrubbed, or washed. Despite the cleaning or peeling, testing still detected 254 different pesticides on fruits and vegetables, including the 209 different pesticides on the “Dirty Dozen” list. 

What About The “Clean 15” List For 2024?

The EWG also makes an annual list of non-organic produce that has the least amount of pesticides detected in lab tests. The great news about the foods on this year’s “Clean 15” list is that 65% of the food samples did not test positive for pesticide residue. Those 15 fruits and vegetables are listed below in no particular order:

• Papaya
• Avocados
• Kiwi
• Pineapple
• Asparagus
• Watermelon
• Sweet corn
• Mushrooms
• Sweet potatoes
• Frozen peas
• Onions
• Honeydew melon
• Carrots
• Cabbage
• Mangoes

You Should Still Eat Fruits And Vegetables

You can limit your exposure to pesticides, even if you cannot buy organic produce. Many people choose non-organic produce over organic produce because it is less expensive. If you choose to buy non-organic produce then you can feel confident in buying the items on the “Clean 15” list. Reserve your budget to buy organic versions of the produce items on the “Dirty Dozen” list. Additionally, health experts encourage people to thoroughly wash produce items with water and a baking soda or vinegar solution to help remove pesticide residue. Peeling the produce can also decrease the exposure to these chemicals. 

Clinical dietitians say that the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables outweighs the risks of pesticide exposure from certain non-organic produce items. All fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes contain beneficial nutrients. Incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet will only benefit you in the long-run. The “Dirty Dozen” list is not intended to scare people away from eating healthy foods, despite their non-organic nature. The point is to simply inform shoppers so they can make decisions appropriately for themselves and their health. 

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It is impossible to avoid all stressors as you go through life, but it is possible to minimize them. Stress, at times, can heighten your senses and better equip you for the situation at hand. Chronic stress, however, can negatively impact your mental and physical health in several ways, such as increasing your risk of anxiety, depression, and even heart disease. 

Believe it or not, the foods you eat have a powerful influence on your mental health. According to many studies, prioritizing foods with certain nutrients can help improve your mood and may even reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. If you regularly battle with feelings of stress and need help regulating levels, focus on the following nutritious and stress-reducing foods. 

Berries

Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, berries should be a mainstay in everyone’s diet. They contain essential vitamins and minerals, some of which are involved with mood regulation, stress response, and cognitive function. One study from 2022 monitored the mental health of participants in relation to their fruit intake. Compared to those with the lowest fruit intake, the participants with the highest fruit intake had 16%, 25%, and 27% lower odds for lack of joy, worries, and tension, respectively. Diets rich in berries have also been linked to higher levels of optimism. 

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables are loaded with stress-reducing plant compounds, including carotenoids, magnesium, and vitamin C. Great examples of these vegetables include Swiss chard, spinach, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, arugula, romaine lettuce, and Brussels sprouts. Many dark, leafy greens contain magnesium, which plays an integral role in the body’s stress response. Insufficient amounts of magnesium in the body can impact your ability to deal with stress. Stress can actually increase magnesium loss via urine, which increases the risk of magnesium deficiency. Eating more magnesium-rich foods, such as leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables, can increase magnesium levels and may help reduce stress. 

Avocados

Speaking of magnesium, avocados are also great sources. They also contain a lot of fiber, which works to decrease inflammation in the body, which may help lower stress levels. According to research, people under high stress have exhibited higher levels of inflammatory markers. Eating more fiber-rich foods may help reduce inflammation in the body, which may alleviate stress. A 2021 study of over 3,000 people found that eating more fiber reduced the risk of psychological distress and anxiety. A seven-ounce avocado contains 13.5 grams of fiber, which fulfills 48% of the recommended daily intake (RDI).

Matcha

Matcha lattes have surged to popularity within recent years, but let’s just leave the milk out of the equation for a moment. This powdered green tea contains a lot of mood-boosting and stress-regulating properties. Researchers note that the L-theanine in matcha has anti-anxiety and stress-reducing effects. L-theanine is an amino acid that acts on the central nervous system, influencing receptors in the brain to help reduce stress and anxiety symptoms. For example, L-theanine works to reduce the release of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, which increases the release of GABA. A 2019 study found that participants who consumed cookies containing 4.5 grams of matcha per day for 15 days had significant reductions in the activity of certain stress markers. 

Apples, Pears, And Citrus Fruits

Not every fruit helps to regulate stress levels, but a 2022 study found that increasing intake of bananas, oranges and other citrus fruits, apples, and pears contributed to lower stress levels. In fact, each of those fruits lowered the risk of having high perceived stress. Researchers suggest that the high concentration of minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals found in those fruits contribute to the stress-reducing properties. More research is necessary on this matter.

Hemp Seeds

Similar to avocados and leafy greens, hemp seeds are rich in magnesium, with a three-tablespoon serving covering 50% of the RDI of magnesium. Hemp seeds also provide omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, another nutrient involved in stress response. Low zinc levels can affect your mood and have been linked to anxiety symptoms. Zinc may reduce anxiety and stress by acting on GABA and glutamate, among other neurotransmitters. Low levels of GABA and glutamate may result from low zinc levels, all of which worsen anxiety. A 2023 review of nine studies found that people with anxiety exhibited lower levels of zinc in their blood compared to people without anxiety.

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