Herbal Tea Helps Promote Feelings of Warmth and Calmness

Food or drinks can sometimes help relieve stress by inducing a sensation rather than by providing nutrition. First on the list of best foods to help fight stress is the herbal tea. Sandra Meyerowitz, MPH, RD, an online nutrition coach and owner of Nutrition Works in Louisville, Kentucky, recommends drinking a warm cup of tea to help you relax. According to previous study, holding and sipping a hot beverage improves sentiments of "warmth" and friendship amongst people. Sipping a warm drink has a soothing impact regardless of flavor, but particular herbs, such as lavender and chamomile, have been demonstrated to have a relaxing effect on their own, according to Meyerowitz.

Herbal tea is fantastic for settling down, but Figueroa says green tea is fine for a small dose of caffeine because it's high in flavonoids, which studies show improve brain function. According to earlier study, they can help protect neurons from harm caused by neurotoxins, decrease neuroinflammation, and increase memory, learning, and cognitive function. A cup of brewed green tea has between 25 and 29 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, compared to 95 to 165 mg in a cup of black brewed coffee, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you're wanting to unwind, green tea may be a better option than coffee. Flavonoids are a type of antioxidant that can be found in dark chocolate, citrus fruits, and wine. Despite the benefits of green tea, Figueroa recommends avoiding caffeine in the afternoon to improve your chances of getting a decent night's sleep.