Foods that reduce stress

There are certain foods that reduce stress. That is why it is important that we eat a good variety of foods. What are the foods that reduce stress? According to this article, Foods that Reduce Stress on msn.com, the 9 foods that reduce stress are:

1. Oranges
A German study in Psychopharmacology found that vitamin C helps reduce stress and return blood pressure and cortisol to normal levels after a stressful situation. Vitamin C is also well known for boosting your immune system.

2. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes can be particularly stress-reducing because they can satisfy the urge you get for carbohydrates and sweets when you are under a great deal of stress. They are packed full of beta-carotene and other vitamins, and the fiber helps your body to process the carbohydrates in a slow and steady manner.

3. Dried Apricots
Apricots are rich in magnesium, which is a stress-buster and a natural muscle relaxant as well.

4. Almonds, Pistachios, and Walnuts
Almonds are packed with B and E vitamins, which help boost your immune system, and walnuts and pistachios help lower blood pressure.

5. Turkey
Turkey contains an amino acid called L-tryptophan. This amino acid triggers the release of serotonin, which is a feel-good brain chemical. This is the reason why many people who eat turkey feel relaxed, or even tired, after eating it. L-tryptophan has a documented calming effect.

6. Spinach
A deficiency in magnesium can cause migraine headaches and a feeling of fatigue. One cup of spinach provides 40 percent of your daily needs for magnesium.

7. Salmon
Diets high in omega-3 fatty acids protect against heart disease. A study from Diabetes & Metabolism found that omega-3s keep the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline from peaking.

8. Avocados
The monounsaturated fats and potassium in avocados help lower blood pressure. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute says that one of the best ways to lower blood pressure is to consume enough potassium (avocados have more than bananas).

9. Green Vegetables
Broccoli, kale, and other dark green vegetables are powerhouses of vitamins that help replenish our bodies in times of stress.

How to Read Wine Labels

Are you boggled by wine labels and wish you have some understanding as to what to look for when purchasing wine? Help is on the way. Here are some tips on How to Read Wine Labels from MSN.com,

There's no universal wine-label organization style. Every country — and sometimes areas within a country — has different rules, regulations, and customs when it comes to labeling wine. Wines from the United States, Australia, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, and South Africa usually list the grape variety on the label.

French, Italian, and Spanish wines usually list the region, village, or vineyard where the wine was made, but not the grape. Typically you'll want to focus on these key pieces of information: the country and region in which the wine was produced, the grapes used, the producers, the shippers, the vintage year, and the quality level of the wine.

Below are a few sample labels..