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Top 5 Foods to Eat When You’re Stressed

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Clemson chapter.

It’s the first round of exams, and you are flooded with deadlines, readings and other assignments. You have no idea what else to do, so you resort to eating…before you pick up that bag of chips or pop that bag of popcorn, read this list so that you don’t have to feel bad about the extra snacking…

 

1. Blueberries

Blueberries are rich in vitamin C, which scientific studies have shown to be helpful in combatting stress. They are also extremely high in an antioxidant known as anthocyanin (health benefits range from anti-inflammatory to anti-cancer *wink wink*).

 

2. Dark Chocolate

Besides being LOADED with healthy antioxidants, dark chocolate is also a food that many people grab when they are feeling depressed and/or anxious. Dark chocolate lowers blood sugar, which brings a sense of calm.

 

3. Cashews

Cashews are an easy snack to eat throughout the entire day. They are a good source of zinc: which low body-levels of are linked to stress and anxiety. Our bodies have a particularly hard time storing zinc, so a moderate amount is just what you need to reach your Required Daily Amount, while also beating stress.

4. Oranges

VITAMIN C, VITAMIN C, VITAMIN C!

5. Chamomile Tea

Tea is one of the most gentle and pleasant ways to calm the stress that has been built up throughout the day. Often recommended before bed, chamomile tea soothes the body, giving you a warm, comforting sensation that sends you into a deep calm so that you’re refreshed and ready for the next day.

 

Now that you have a little bit of background on these foods, next time you’re swamped and don’t know what to do, eat an orange or sip some tea!

Khaila is a junior English major at Clemson University. She enjoys reading and writing, trying new foods, and hanging out with friends. Her favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
Caitlin Barkley is currently a senior at Clemson University pursuing a degree in both Biology and Psychology. In 2016-2017, she served as the Campus Correspondent and Editor-in-Chief for Her Campus Clemson after joining her freshman year. She is also an ambassador with the Calhoun Honors College, a teacher with Clemson Dancers, and a member of Tiger Strut Dance Company. Caitlin is a colonizing member of the South Carolina Beta Chapter of Pi Beta Phi, and she serves as the current Chapter President. A few of her favorite things include coffee, her Clemson ring, and fuzzy blankets! Follow her on Instagram @c_barkley19