Foods That Fight Stress & Prevent Disease

There’s no denying we live in stressful times. Between a world-wide pandemic, rising inflation, and worldwide conflict, the changes of the last several years have proven frustration, tiring, and anxiety-inducing. It also doesn’t help that our mobile devices never give us a break from the bad news.

Bad news can lead to stress, which in turn can lead to health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, diabetes and even cancer. And that’s not to mention anxiety and depression – healthy living, including regular exercise and good eating habits, can go a long way towards managing stress and keeping you well. And when it comes to healthy eating, a diet rich in fresh fruits can definitely help with managing stress.

How a Diet That Includes Lots of Fruit Helps Reduce Stress

It’s true – the online fruit baskets you can get at Hale Groves can help lower your stress. Studies show that people who eat four servings of fresh fruit per day (like delicious mangos and fresh oranges) have 10% lower stress levels than those who consume half that amount.

Despite the well-known benefits of a healthy diet, fewer than 1 in 10 eat adults eat the USDA-recommended daily five servings of vegetables. In the U.S., it’s estimated only 1 in 10 adults meet the federally recommended daily intake of 1½-2 cups per day of fruits.

Fruit boxes from Hale Groves containing citrus fruits, mango (USA-grown) and other delectable seasonal fruits are a great way to add important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, and carotenoids that can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and therefore improve mental well-being. Inflammation and oxidative stress in the body are recognized factors that can lead to increased stress, anxiety and lower mood.

The Best Fruits for Reducing Stress

Stress-busting fruits are available year-round from Hale Groves…you can order oranges and other citrus fruits in the winter months or arrange a mango gift basket for yourself or loved ones in the summer. Year-round we offer premium fruits that are high in antioxidants like Vitamin C, which studies have shown can help ease worried, anxious feelings. Good sources of Vitamin C include citrus fruits like grapefruit and tangerines, peaches, mangos, and even apples and pears. You can even arrange an orange delivery during the summer months with Valencia Oranges, which are the world’s best juicing oranges.

Another stress-beating nutrient is folate, which helps produce the calming brain chemical dopamine. South Florida Mangos from Hale Groves are loaded with folate (144 mcg).

Peaches, plums, apples, and other fruits also contain antioxidants and phytonutrients that help support your body’s stress response, as well as strengthen your immune system. And most whole fruits are rich in inflammation-fighting fiber.

Beta-carotene (which can be found in fruits with red flesh like our Heritage Grapefruit or Rio Ruby Red Grapefruit) is converted by the body into Vitamin A, another inflammation-reduction and cancer-fighter.

So, if you’re looking to improve your stress-management plan, an easy way is to eat more fruit! In addition to numerous health benefits, fruits offer some stress relief as well, thanks to lowered levels of inflammation.

Shop Delicious Treats from Hale Groves

Hale Groves of Vero Beach, Florida, offers the best citrus and fruit gifts money can buy. Order some for your friends, family or yourself.

Shop Now