Kitchen Finds That Can Help in Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Which Everyday Foods or Ingredients Found Kitchen Can Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety?

Herbs and spices have long been known to relieve stress and calm the mind. Be it anti-inflammatory turmeric or anxiolytic chamomile, these work efficiently to de-stress naturally. 

According to Jaiswal, “Indian spice essential, cinnamon, also known as ‘Daalchini’, is a well-known aromatic spice that infuses warmth and depth into our daily culinary delights, and is much more than just a flavour enhancer. This herb has been utilised for thousands of years in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).”

Some Nutritionist Approved Spices to Use from the Kitchen for Stress are: 

Cinnamon:

• It has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and carminative qualities. Cinnamon has a positive effect on cognitive function, supporting the mind, learning, and memory.
• Cinnamon, even in incense form or cuisine and other internal uses, improves visual-motor response speed, strengthening memory, and stimulates attention and mental awareness. 
• Recipes like cinnamon latte are being liked by all, and for good reason.

Saffron: 

• Also nicknamed the sunshine spice. This is not just due to its distinct colour but also because it may help brighten our mood and add a distinct taste.
• Evidence suggests the beneficial effects of saffron on parameters of mental health and treatment of central nervous system disorders in patients with depression and without depression.
• Recipes like Saffron Milk are very famous and liked, and often activate brain receptors with dopamine.

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How does Household Staples Food Support Mental Well-Being? 

Kitchen spices like turmeric, cinnamon and liquorice root have bio compounds like coumarin, curcumin, piperines, picrocrocin and many more, which can help in regulating cortisol levels. “They work on building our immunity strong and sending nerve impulses to our brain to relax, and these Spices bind to a certain type of GABA receptor in the brain,” advised Jaiswal.

Specific Herbs or Spices in the Kitchen That Can Help Calm the Nervous System

Yes, spices like turmeric, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, saffron, pepper all have certain qualities and biochemical compounds which help in calming our nervous system. 

• Turmeric: It contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help regulate mood and reduce neuroinflammation linked to anxiety and stress.
• Ginger: Contains gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory effects and may support healthy brain function and stress resilience.
• Garlic: Rich in allicin, which can support circulation and has mild calming, anti-inflammatory effects on the nervous system.
• Cinnamon: Contains cinnamaldehyde, which has antioxidant properties and may help stabilise blood sugar, indirectly supporting mood balance.
• Kesar (Saffron): Contains crocin and safranal, which have been shown in studies to act on neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, promoting a calming effect.
• Black Pepper: Contains piperine, which enhances absorption of other calming compounds (like curcumin) and may help modulate mood by influencing neurotransmitter activity

"Herbs like Chamomile, Lavender and Blue pea also work excellently. They have soothing, anti-spasmodic properties. These spices and herbs also calm the whole gut,” added Jaiswal.

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Foods to Avoid if You are Prone to Stress and Anxiety?

According to Jaiswal, “ Food products that are high in refined flour and sugar should be avoided. Moreover, added salt and packaged foods should be cut back as they are filled with preservatives. Specific foods like doughnuts, croissants, packed chips and canned juices should be avoided, as they pack empty calories and lead to guilt later.”

Tips to Use the Kitchen as Your Wellness Toolkit for Managing Stress?

• Go back to roots: Try to reintroduce old age traditions of eating on time and avoiding outside food.
• We Eat Through our Eyes: Add more colours to your plate, like chutneys, colourful salad, buttermilk, etc.
• We Eat Through our Senses: Using hands to eat brings satiety and also sends nerve impulses to the brain, inducing a feeling of joy.
• We Eat Through our Mouth: Chew well and avoid screen time during eating to connect with food and fully enjoy a meal. 
• Clean Eating: Lastly, eat clean to keep your body clean from diseases.

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Conclusion: Nutrition At Home

A healthier, calmer mind often begins with what you eat. Whole grains, nuts, herbs, and calming teas, when combined with mindful eating habits, can help you build a strong foundation for better mood regulation and stress relief. However, if you find stress or anxiety overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional. Your kitchen can be your first line of defence, but it doesn’t have to be your only one.