Beat Stress with Dark Chocolate and Other Healthy Foods

April is National Stress Awareness Month, a subject dear to our hearts, as the REAL Dark Chocolate we use to coat NuGo bars may reduce stress. It may come as little surprise that food can do wonders for improving mood; but there are special compounds in many of the foods we love that can reduce stress, lower anxiety, and increase feelings of well-being for far longer than that plate of ziti or ice cream you had on your mind! Let’s take a look at the different stress blockers below.

Calmness

When we are faced with stressful situations, cortisol is released into our blood streams. This can have detrimental effects on metabolism, weaken one’s immune system, and, above all, create feelings of stress and unease. Fortunately, there are a number of common and very desirable foods that are known to mitigate these negative health factors. Dark chocolate may lower blood pressure when consumed in moderation since it is rich in antioxidant flavanoids. Dark chocolate will delight your taste buds, as any of our premium protein bars will clearly show! Another tension tamer worth keeping in your arsenal is folate, which is present in green vegetables like asparagus, spinach, and brussel sprouts.

Improved Mental Function

Is there anything more stressful than forgetting where you put your things? There’s no doubt about it—forgetfulness and absent-mindedness can send those stress levels flying.

Tap into powerful mind-boosters like essential omega-3 fatty acids found in raw walnuts and several kinds of fish, which are phenomenal for preventing memory loss and sharpening mental acuity. Theanine amino acid, which is found in standard green tea also shares many of these mental function-enhancing capabilities. And what’s more relaxing than a hot cup of tea?

Overall Wellness

Anything else to keep in mind? Think zinc! Low levels of zinc have been long associated with depression and anxiety, and it’s potential to shorten colds further strengthens the recurring relationship between immune response and mood. A wide array of fabulous foods can help you boost your zinc levels like oysters, cashews, and, once more, dark chocolate.

Consumption of B vitamin-rich foods, like avocados, spinach, and lentils for B6, is another great way to keep stress at bay, improve mental function, and feel calmer and more alert.

Have It All

Harnessing the power of food to help you keep your cool is a great and natural way to beat stress, and it has never been easier or more delicious than with NuGo Nutrition. As if dark chocolate didn’t already sell itself, the numerous stress-reducing benefits, antioxidant richness, and luscious flavor of our bars seal the deal. Use the helpful tips above to pull stress off the menu, and enjoy NuGo REAL Dark Chocolate protein bars next time you need a healthy snack that may calm your nerves.