You hear all the time that one or another superfood is your solution to your bad mood, or your focus, or your happiness, or whatever the latest thing is. But this nutrient has been shown in studies to have the same effects as anti-anxiety medications.
Most anti-anxiety medications, known as benzodiazepines, are used as sedating forces for those with anxiety. But now, it looks like flavonoids may be able to provide these things, without the dangerous side effects like amnesia and ataxia. These flavonoids may be beneficial for other parts of brain and nerve health, too.
Even without the possible mental health benefits, flavonoids are also thought to be helpful for cardiovascular health and protection for your skin against free-radical damage.
So while these studies are preliminary, it’s a great idea to try to get some flavonoids in your diet. Who knows, they could be the thing that lets you de-stress today.
So, what are the foods that are the richest in flavonoids?
Some of the easiest ways to get your flavonoid fix are in foods you already enjoy.
Flavonoids are in fruits such as:
- Elderberries
- Blackberries and raspberries
- Blueberries
- Cranberries
- Concord grapes (red wine!)
- Acai berries
Greens such as:
- Kale
- Arugula
- Mustard greens
And these ingredients for a certain treat that we all love:
- Cacao beans
- Unsweetened cocoa
As you can see, flavonoids aren’t that hard to include in your diet. Give it a try, and see if they really can help you feel calmer!
What’s your favorite flavonoid-rich food?
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