6 Foods That Are Nature's Stress Busters (+25 Easy Recipes)

Feeling stressed? Back away from the cupcake!

Turns out, the foods we eat can affect our moods. Read on to find out what foods will fill you up while calming you down.

Several recent studies suggest that certain foods can beat back stress and anxiety. (Via NPR.)

Unfortunately, when we're feeling bummed, we often reach for the wrong stuff: Sugary treats and highly refined carbs that offer immediate comfort, yes, but can come back to harsh our mellow when the sugar crash occurs.

Other foods, meanwhile, seem to actually benefit our moods and mental well-being. Six that top the list are fish with omega-3 fatty acids, dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds, eggs, flaxseeds, and dark leafy greens like Swiss chard and kale.

And now for some top-rated recipes featuring these six super foods.

1.) Salmon, Tuna, Sardines

These fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which might offer protection against stress by calming the body's response to inflammation.

• Baked Dijon Salmon: Baked Dijon Salmon
• Tuna Lime Tostadas: Tuna Lime Tostadas
• Super Simple Salmon: Super Simple Salmon
• Chef John's Pasta con le Sarde: Chef John's Pasta con le Sarde
• Avocado and Tuna Tapas: Avocado and Tuna Tapas

2.) Kale and Swiss Chard

Eating nutrient-rich foods are key. And dark, leafy greens like chard and kale also offer vitamins A and K plus potassium.

• Mediterranean Kale: Mediterranean Kale
• Sauteed Swiss Chard with Parmesan Cheese: Sauteed Swiss Chard with Parmesan Cheese
• Cowboy Kale: Cowboy Kale
• Vegetarian Kale Soup: Vegetarian Kale Soup
• Hamusta Soup: Hamusta Soup

3.) Eggs

Enjoyed in the morning, eggs are a satiating combination of protein and B vitamins.

• Creamy Avocado Egg Salad: Creamy Avocado Egg Salad
• Chef John's Baked Eggs: Chef John's Baked Eggs
• Zucchini with Egg: Zucchini with Egg
• Chipotle and Adobo Pickled Eggs: Chipotle and Adobo Pickled Eggs
• Greek Scrambled Eggs: Greek Scrambled Eggs

4.) Dark Chocolate

According to the NPR story, cocoa flavanols "can help boost mood and sustain clear thinking among adults who are engaged in intense mental efforts" and may help reduce inflammation and improve vascular health.

• Chef John's Dark Chocolate Mousse: Chef John's Dark Chocolate Mousse
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Brownies: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Brownies
• Favorite Trail Mix: Favorite Trail Mix
• Chuck's Protein Bars: Chuck's Protein Bars
• Chunky Monkey Muffins: Chunky Monkey Muffins

5.) Pumpkin Seeds

According to the NPR story, pumpkin seeds are "a good source of magnesium, which is thought to play a role in fending off anxiety, and zinc, which may help boost the immune system."

• Toasted Pumpkin Seeds: Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
• Mexican Pesto: Mexican Pesto
• Crunchy and Delicious Granola: Crunchy and Delicious Granola
• Chopped Brussels Sprout Salad: Chopped Brussels Sprout Salad
• Blue Spinach Salad: Blue Spinach Salad
• Broccoli Cauliflower Pepita Salad: Broccoli Cauliflower Pepita Salad

6.) Flaxseed

Like salmon, sardines, and tuna, flaxseeds are a natural source of omega-3s.

• Banana Date Flaxseed Bread: Banana Date Flaxseed Bread
• Yogurt and Granola: Yogurt and Granola
• Whole Grain Pancakes: Whole Grain Pancakes
• Razzy Blue Smoothie: Razzy Blue Smoothie
• Black Bean and Walnut Burgers: Black Bean and Walnut Burgers