The Samford Crimson

Issue date: 11/7/07 Section: Expressions

Media Credit: Rachael Emery Raspberries and guacamole are just two foods that have nutrients to help relieve stress.

With mid-terms just behind us and the weight of approaching final exams on the shoulders of most students on campus, it's important to learn how to manage anxiety in order to perform well in stressful times. While more traditional means of clearing one's mind like exercise, music or even just a quick power nap are popular with some students on campus, one form of stress release has gone unrecognized by many.

Eating stress relieving foods is one technique that has been proven time and time again to provide individuals with the peace of mind to work and live with less anxiety on a daily basis.

"I always drink coffee when I'm stressed, but I'm figuring out that it makes me more anxious sometimes," junior psychology major Caroline Johnson said. "I think I always just end up eating foods that make me feel the most satisfied at that moment."

The trick to battling tension is recognizing the need and capacity to work, and then, knowing what to put in your body in order to facilitate that need.

There are several nutrients available in everyday foods that are said to give that extra boost of mental stamina in times of stress. Serotonin, a chemical in the body that affects mood, is produced in part by folic acid. Found in a variety of foods including grains, legumes and asparagus, folic acid and B vitamins are nutrients that can lessen feelings of anxiety.

Antioxidants are another stress buster, which can combat free radicals in the body that contribute to feelings of uneasiness. Antioxidants are found in a range of foods including berries, dairy products and other fruits and vegetables that are commonly served in the Caf as well as in the food court.

"Stress depletes antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, so concentrating on whole grains, vegetables and fruits will help replenish what was lost," nutrition and dietetics professor Pat Terry said.

One antioxidant, vitamin C, is especially helpful in stress relieving and is also easy to consume quickly without any preparation.

For some students, stress relieving foods have been masked and identified for quite some time as comfort foods. These foods differ from person to person and, as their name suggests, are associated with feelings of solace.

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