Expert

 Whole grains, nuts, herbs, and calming teas, when combined with mindful eating habits, can help you build a strong foundation. Learn from nutrition experts, how!

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).”

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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.

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

"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.

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.”

• : Chew well and avoid screen time during eating to connect with food and fully enjoy a meal. 
• : Lastly, eat clean to keep your body clean from diseases.

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.