

"In this way, a healthy diet has a 'cascading effect' on brain health because as it improves blood flow, the delivery of key nutrients to the brain is also improved. "Examples of nutrients that improve blood flow include omega-3s (EPA and DHA), vitamin E and polyphenols found in red wine, blueberries and dark chocolate," Kuchan said. Nutrients from healthy foods, Kuchan explained, can help improve blood flow in the body. "There is a strong relationship between fluctuations in brain blood flow and brain health and these compounds over time." "Stress negatively affects blood pressure and blood flow," Kuchan said. How Exactly Do Healthy Foods Reduce Stress? Many can also be kept frozen or dried - like nuts, fruits and high fiber cereals." "One way to make it easier to eat a healthy diet is to keep fresh nutritious foods on hand. "Eating at home generally increases the likelihood that you will eat a healthy diet," Kuchan explained. "We all know how easy it is to treat ourselves to that rich, high-fat meal we have been craving - but would usually not fix for ourselves."įor this reason, building a healthy food prep habit into your daily or weekly routine can greatly improve your overall diet, and eventually lead to reduced stress levels. "This generally contributes to a less healthy diet," Kuchan said. For many, prepping healthy meals doesn't always fit into a busy schedule and dining out is the norm more often than not. Of course, and especially when we're extra busy and, subsequently, more likely to be stressed, eating healthy is certainly not an easy habit to maintain.


"A healthy diet builds a solid, more enduring foundation for your body by reducing oxidation and inflammation and by helping to reduce weight gain." Kuchan, Ph.D., a senior research scientist at Abbott. "Eating a healthy diet can reduce the negative effects of stress on your body," said Matthew J.
