Stressed Out? Don’t Go Nuts, Eat Nuts!

When all hell breaks loose, reach for a handful of almonds. They're bursting with Vitamin E, an antioxidant that bolsters the immune system. Almonds also contain B vitamins, which may help your body hold up during seriously unpleasant events and crazy busy days.

A quarter cup (about 25-30 almonds) every day is all you need. Another easy way to get your almond fix is to switch from traditional peanut butter to almond butter on those high-tension days.

Sick of almonds or don’t like them? Shell pistachios or crack walnuts. Both will help keep your heart from racing when things start to go haywire.

"We experience immediate cardiovascular responses to stress because of the 'fight or flight' response," says Dr. Sheila G. West, associate professor of biobehavioral health at Penn State.

When stress strikes, adrenaline raises our blood pressure to boost energy – you know that feeling, wanting to run like crazy from a stressful situation. But because we seldom get to run away from our stressful days, it's better to blunt the strain on your heart.

A 2007 Penn State study led by Dr. West found that eating one and a half ounces (about a handful) of pistachios a day can lower your blood pressure; good news is your heart doesn't have to work overtime. Walnuts have also been found to lower blood pressure, both at rest and under stress, West says.

Other ways to get your nutty fix: Try adding about an ounce to salads, yogurt or oatmeal.