Weekly Wellbeing: Best Healthy Foods To Reduce Stress (PICTURES)

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Citrus fruits are good for stress busters

In times of stress HuffPost UK Lifestyle tend to reach for the chocolate biscuits, their sweet goodness is enough to make any worry melt away.

But then, of course, comes the aftermath and we're struck with an overwhelming sense of post-binge guilt.

Oh why can't chocolate be low-fat, low-sugar and low in calories? :-(

We've been on the hunt for stress-busting food that's good for our health.

Luckily HuffPost Healthy Living have pulled together seven foods that will not only help beat stress, but will keep you healthy.

From green tea to oranges, these seven foods are just what you need to boost your mood.

Foods That Fight Stress

Tea(01 of07)

Unlike coffee, tea has a reputation as a sip meant for sleepytime. And while there is some caffeine in certain types of tea, both black and green varieties can help you relax. Green tea contains an amino acid called theanine, which has been linked to reducing anxiety and promoting sleep. And a 2006 study found that black tea drinkers were both quicker to de-stress and less stressed in general than people given a tea substitute, WebMD reported. (credit:Flickr:iriskh)

Dark Chocolate(02 of07)

There's some benefit to craving something chocolatey when times get tough. A 2009 study found that regular chocolate eaters had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their blood.And, like tea, dark chocolate contains antioxidants called flavonoids, known for their relaxing properties.You may also benefit from a boost in feel-good chemicals in the brain, simply because you're allowing yourself a special treat when you nibble some chocolate, according to CNN. (credit:Flickr:Chocolate Reviews)

Fatty Fish(03 of07)

Salmon, tuna and other fish rich in omega 3s have been shown to ease a stressed mind. A team of researchers from Ohio State University examined a small group of medical students and their physical responses to anxiety and stress during the school year. Among those given omega 3 supplements, anxiety dropped by 20 percent, compared to the students given a placebo who remained anxious. And a 2003 study found that getting sufficient fatty acids in your diet kept cortisol from jumping in the face of stressful events. (credit:Flickr:KayOne73)

Oatmeal(04 of07)

Carbs naturally boost your mood by kick-starting serotonin production in the brain. Grains with more fiber take longer to digest, though, thereby releasing serotonin at a more slow-and-steady pace, Judith Wurtman, Ph.D., co-author of The Serotonin Power Diet, told Women's Health. That warm bowl of oatmeal for breakfast can help you stay serene all day. (credit:Flickr:BrownGuacamole)

Leafy Greens(05 of07)

Magnesium, a mineral crucial to your body running smoothly, helps muscles relax and also calms the nerves. It's found naturally in green veggies, particularly leafy ones, like Swiss chard and spinach. (credit:Flickr:woodleywonderworks)

Citrus Fruits(06 of07)

A 2002 German study found that a hefty dose of vitamin C helped people bounce back more easily from a stressful situation. Both blood pressure and cortisol levels decreased faster in people given a vitamin C supplement than the study participants given a placebo. So reach for an orange -- or one of these other foods high in vitamin C. (credit:Flickr:USDAgov)

Milk(07 of07)

While it may not exactly put you to sleep, calcium has been linked to fewer mood swings, at least when it comes to PMS. This finding could translate to stressful or anxiety-inducing situations too, according to WebMD. A glass of milk is a good place to start -- but there are also some more surprising places to get a dose of calcium, like soybeans and kale. (credit:Flickr:CamEvans)

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