publication date: Aug 13, 2008
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author/source: Kerry Torrens
Lentils are just one of the foods that supply the “stress vitamin” (vitamin B5). Others which may appeal to you more (though lentils can be yummy, trust us) are whole-grains such as brown rice and whole wheat granary style breads.
If you’re habitually tense you should focus on including plenty of sources of magnesium in your diet. This fantastic mineral has a soothing and relaxing effect on the muscles so may help relieve muscular tension. It’s included in green leafy vegetables such as spinach, peas, nuts and seeds so if you're going past a health food shop this afternoon drop in and pick up a nut and seed mix.
One of the best foods for nerves are those dreaded oily fish such as salmon, trout and sardines – for those of you that find fish a struggle put the contents of a of sardines in a blender (remove the bones first if they freak you out). Add 75g of Quark or low fat soft cheese the grated rind of half a lemon and a finely chopped slice of onion and whizz together and season. Tastes just like tuna!
If you suddenly find yourself feeling a bit jittery, one of the best remedies in terms of fast acting relief is green tea – it contains a compound called L-theanine which has a relaxing effect on the body especially the nervous system and is low in caffeine so it doesn’t stress the adrenals. Black coffee, I don't need to tell you, is a no-no!