Photo: Getty Images When it comes to stress-relieving foods , many people think of items like fatty fish , dark chocolate , and chamomile tea . But did you know that fruits can help ease stress, too? It’s all thanks to their high essential nutrient content, which is key for supporting the body and mind. However, there’s one fruit that’s particularly beneficial for stress, and it may not be what you expect. Read on to learn about a dietitian’s top pick for the best stress-fighting fruit, along with creative ways to eat more of it at home. Kristen Lorenz , RD, is a registered dietitian and the founder of Kristen Lorenz Nutrition
Best Fruit to Help Reduce Stress
You might be surprised to learn that oranges are the top fruit for relieving stress. Yes, really! According to Kristen Lorenz, RD, registered dietitian and founder of Kristen Lorenz Nutrition, the citrus fruit is packed with nutrients that support immune function , which in turn improves your stress response.
Here’s the deal: Oranges are rich in vitamin C —an essential nutrient for immunity. This vitamin works by enhancing the production and function of white blood cells, which are immune cells that fight infections, per Lorenz. Additionally, “as an antioxidant , vitamin C protects these immune cells from oxidative damage,” Lorenz notes. Vitamin C also supports skin barrier function and aids in wound healing, making it essential for overall immune resilience, she adds.
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But how does this play into stress, exactly? “The immune system and stress response are closely linked,” explains Lorenz. When the immune system is well-supported (via nutrients like vitamin C, for example), it can efficiently regulate the body’s inflammatory response to stress, potentially reducing the long-term health consequences of chronic stress, Lorenz notes.
It’s also worth noting that this connection exists in the opposite direction: Physical and emotional stress triggers the release of cortisol , a.k.a. the stress hormone. “Over time, chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels can suppress immune function, increasing the susceptibility to infection and inflammation,” Lorenz says. In […]
Feeling Stressed? Eating More of This Fruit Can Make You Feel Calmer, Say Nutrition Experts
