health
Nutritionists Discover Which Fruit Best Helps with Anxiety and Feelings of Unease
About a third of adults will face some form of anxiety disorder during their lives. However, there are different ways to keep anxiety under control, and diet plays an important role among them. "Nutrients affect inflammatory processes in the body, blood sugar levels, gut health, and neurotransmitter production, all of which can affect mood and the body's ability to cope with stress," explains registered dietitian Samantha DeVito.
TL;DR
- About one-third of adults will experience an anxiety disorder.
- Diet plays a significant role in managing anxiety by affecting inflammation, blood sugar, gut health, and neurotransmitter production.
- Blueberries are highlighted as a beneficial fruit for anxiety management.
- Blueberries are rich in antioxidants (especially anthocyanins) that fight oxidative stress and inflammation linked to anxiety.
- Antioxidants in blueberries support cognitive health, brain blood flow, mood, concentration, and emotional regulation.
- Blueberries contain Vitamin C, crucial for neurotransmitter production like serotonin and dopamine.
- Blueberries are high in fiber, benefiting gut health through the gut-brain connection, which influences mood and cognition.
- Wild blueberries generally contain more antioxidants and fiber than cultivated ones.
- Blueberries can be incorporated into various meals and snacks, fresh or frozen.
- Consistency in consuming nutrient-dense whole foods, like blueberries, can support a more stable nervous system.