9 Terrific Foods to Help Relieve Stress

3. Sweet potatoes

Consuming whole, nutrient-dense carbohydrate sources like sweet potatoes may help to lower cortisol levels.

Despite the fact that cortisol levels are tightly controlled, chronic stress can cause cortisol dysfunction, which can result in inflammation, pain, and other negative effects.

Those who ate a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense carbs had significantly lower levels of salivary cortisol than those who ate a standard American diet high in refined carbs.

Sweet potatoes are whole food that can be used as a carbohydrate source. They’re high in nutrients like vitamin C and potassium, which are important for stress response.