New promotion at work stressing you out? Perhaps it’s the intense pre-final studying? Maybe a troublesome personal relationship? Or, worst case scenario, it’s a combination of these three that you’re attempting – but desperately failing – to juggle? Then try eating some sushi!
The combination of fish, rice, and seaweed provides a surprisingly large number of healthy nutrients. Fish, for example, is packed with omega-3 fatty acids that support heart protection, and improved circulation. Rice’s ample supply of protein labels it a good source of energy. Wasabi (if you like it spicy) helps prevent tooth decay.
However, when it comes to stress, seaweed is the champion. Seaweed is rich in iodine, copper, calcium, and iron, but more importantly, magnesium, pantothenic acid, and vitamin B2 (riboflavin). These last three nutrients are crucial to fighting stress and anxiety.
Also known as “nature’s Valium”, and “the original chill pill”, magnesium plays an essential role in your diet that is excellent for anxiety, and stress. Magnesium acts as a filter for your brain, restricting, and preventing, stress hormones from entering. In addition, magnesium is anti-inflammatory, helping prevent brain inflammation. Brain inflammation plays a major role in anxiety.
Pantothenic acid is key, considering how much it contributes to healthy adrenal glands. These glands play an important role in managing stress. Symptoms of a pantothenic acid deficiency include increased vulnerability to infection, illness, chronic fatigue, and feelings of anxiety.
Vitamin B2, chemically known as riboflavin, is vital to regulate proper adrenal function and thyroid activity. The odds of thyroid disease increase with a riboflavin deficiency. Riboflavin is useful for battling chronic stress, calming the nervous system, and regulating hormones which affect appetite, energy, mood, temperature, and more.
So, the next time you’re feeling stressed out, take a trip out to your favourite sushi-serving restaurant, indulge yourself, and feel the stress wash away. Besides, the relaxing string music and tranquil Japanese environment never fail to please. You can also try your hand at becoming a master chef in your own home, thanks to the many sushi cookbooks available online.