Can a diet tweak ease holiday stress?

Q:

I’ve been working hard to make everything perfect for loved ones who will be staying with me during the holidays, and all the prep and planning has me on edge. Is there a diet tweak to help calm my nerves? A:

Yes! We know all about the pressures of holiday to-do’s, and we have a snacking strategy that helps keep stress in check: Work a small handful of hemp seeds into your daily diet throughout the festive season. These mild nutty gems are rich in minerals and nutrients (including vitamin B6, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids) that work synergistically to curb the output of the stress hormone cortisol by 51 percent, lower blood pressure and increase the production of calming brain chemicals. All told, these effects can reduce tension by 20 percent. And as a bonus, hemp seeds are a top source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)—a compound that calms inflammation to ease joint pain by 25 percent.

For best results, enjoy 2 Tbs. of hemp seeds (usually found in the bulk bin at natural-products stores) daily— they’re delicious blended into smoothies, sprinkled on oatmeal, salads and soups or simply eaten on their own.