Experts: Certain Foods Can Help Cut Stress

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- New York is a stressful place, especially in the winter months.

So why not de-stress by snacking on oatmeal, blueberries or even asparagus?

The website KitchenDaily.com compiled a list of foods experts say could help fight anxiety, CBS2's Matt Kozar reported.

Turkey, for example, has amino acid that releases serotonin, a chemical that calms the brain.

Avocados are loaded with B vitamins that are good for brain function.

None of the traditional comfort foods made the cut.

"I think there very well could be some really important nutrients that can reduce stress in whole foods," nutritionist Christine Cooper said.

Cooper said there is no silver bullet, but if you are eating because you're stressed, reach for healthy alternatives.

"I try to keep vegetables and fruits cut up in my refrigerator, and that way if I'm stress-eating, I know I'm stress-eating foods that are low in calories and high in nutrients."

Outside of Broadway Farm on the Upper West Side, Robert Winslow, 69, told Kozar food is only one part of healthy living.

"It's not always about eating the right foods," he said. "I think it's more the proportions of foods you eat.

"You got to think positive, and you've got to sort of work out," Winslow added.

While certain foods might make you feel less stressed, experts say others could make you feel jittery or even anxious, such as coffee. And too much caffeine increases appetite.