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Dietary Choices Can Help You Battle COVID-Related Anxiety, Declares Sam Cover

Plenty of Americans are struggling with heightened stress due to COVID-19 and the economic uncertainty associated with it. In a previous American Psychological Association study, the average American rated their own stress level as 5.4, compared with 4.9 the previous year. Stress levels are higher amongst people of color and parents with children. One option to eliminate some of that stress and anxiety is through changes in diet, suggests Chef Sam Cover.

Go Green, Recommends Sam Cover 

Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, asparagus, and broccoli help make people feel healthier because they consist of high levels of folate. Folate in turn produces dopamine, which is a brain chemical that emanates feelings of pleasure and calm, states Sam Cover. Leafy vegetables also contain high levels of magnesium. Lack of magnesium causes headaches, which can help heighten stress.

Choose Fiber, Advises Sam Cover

An article in the Journal of Nutritional Neuroscience from 2018 claims a high-fiber diet can reduce anxiety and stress. Types of food containing high fiber levels include leafy vegetables, whole grains, beans, green peas, almonds, flaxseed, sesame seeds, and berries. These dietary choices also balance blood sugar.

Eat Fatty Fish, Says Sam Cover 

Fatty fish such as salmon, halibut, mackerel, lake trout, and tuna possess high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, which can prevent spikes in stress and depression. They also help prevent heart disease. To gain the benefits of eating fish, adults should aim for at least two 3.5-ounce servings a week, says Sam Cover. Those who don’t prefer fish also can find Omega-3 fatty acids in chia seeds, seaweed, flaxseed, and walnuts, as well as some brands of eggs, milk, and soymilk.

Indulge in Dark Chocolate, According to Sam Cover 

Just the act of indulging oneself can often help reduce the amount of stress, says Sam Cover. Also, the antioxidants in dark chocolate can reduce the stress hormone, and the cocoa can help the walls of your blood vessels to relax. For best results, adults should consume about 1 ounce of dark chocolate that is at least 70 per cocoa and has little or no added sugar.

Drink Green Tea, Pushes Sam Cover

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shares that stress levels were 20 percent lower in those who drank five cups of green tea per day than they were in those who drank only a single cup. Warm green tea has a more calming effect than the cold version of the beverage.

Sam Cover is a well-known chef who has worked in kitchens from coast to coast across the country and managed teams in many well-known restaurants. Sam Cover plans to open a new restaurant later in the year.