Legumes

Another important food group on Dr. Naidoo's anxiety-relieving food list? According to the National Institutes of Health, legumes such as chickpeas, lentils, and beans are high in magnesium, which helps to improve mood (NIH). They're also a good source of B vitamins, which are vital for a variety of reasons, including their role in neurotransmitter development and helping neurons connect with one another, according to study. This, in turn, can assist in increasing emotions of enjoyment while decreasing anxiety.

Furthermore, a study from 2017 and another from 2021 both imply that those who don't get enough B vitamins are more likely to suffer from anxiety and sadness. People who ate foods strong in B vitamins (particularly yeast-based spreads like Marmite and Vegemite) had lower anxiety and stress levels than those who did not, according to a 2018 study. You don't live in Australia? While these Australian-made items are technically available on Amazon, you may obtain your B vitamins from a variety of sources, including legumes and leafy greens.