Brain Foods – Reducing Anxiety

The Washington Post kicked off 2024 with an article listing the top foods that help reduce anxiety. They interviewed
Uma Naidoo, a nutritional psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital who recommended the following foods:

1. Extra dark chocolate (75% cacao or more) which is rich in iron, polyphenols and magnesium.

2. Leafy greens. Try a variety with a deep green hue like chard, spinach or kale.

3. Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables have sulforaphane, a phytochemical that reduces inflammation.

4. Avocados, which have fiber, potassium, vitamin E and magnesium.

5. Green tea has two powerful antioxidants,EGC G and L-theanine, and some studies indicate that drinking green tea has a
calming effect.

6. Chia seeds, flax seeds and fatty fish like salmon contain omega 3 fatty acids that have been linked to brain
health. Fish does not have to be expensive. Canned wild salmon and sardines are available in most grocery
stores.

7. Beans and lentils are an excellent source of fiber and B vitamins.

One easy way to get several of these foods in a meal would be to make a stir fry with broccoli served over a salad,
topped with some fish and avocado. Have a mug of green tea with it and follow with some dark chocolate for dessert!