According to Dr. Jagmeet Madan, National President, Indian Dietetic Association, having a nutrient-dense diet can help in countering mental stress and mood swings during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is because, the nutrients present in food can help balance hormones, for example, B vitamins found in high quantity in leafy greens are necessary for the production of a chemical substance at the end of nerve fibre called neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which help regulate mood. Similarly, high levels of vitamin C found in fruits are linked to elevated mood and lower levels of stress and anger, Omega3 found in nuts and seeds are not only essential for brain health and mood but may also help your body handle stress, she said. Here are five foods that Dr. Madan recommends to everyone as "must add" in their daily diet for stress management especially during the uncertain times as these.
