If you're a homemaker and you're reading this and you have an agitated man, who always finds a reason to berate you when he comes home from work, simply cook him more pork steaks.
Canadian scientists have discovered that red meat doesn't make men more aggressive, quite the contrary - it may soothe them after a hectic day.
Up until recently, there was a perception that meat caused aggressive behavior. According to psychologists, this false belief likely dates back to the time of our distant ancestors, who had to hunt wild animals in order to have food.
The new study included 82 men, who had to look at photos, some of which contained meat. Then they were told that they could "punish" fellow participants in the study, if they made mistakes when sorting the pictures.
The experts found that the pictures of meat did not make the men inflict more punishments, but rather calmed them and curbed their aggressiveness.
The reason may lie in the fact that meat invokes associations of eating with family and friends.
The proteins found in red meat stabilize blood sugar levels and protect against emotional hesitations. Plus, the amino acid tryptophan, which is found in proteins, helps you keep your composure in all kinds of stressful situations.
Proteins give you the power to deal with tension. They help you to relax during tense moments. Beef is the best source of B vitamins - especially B6 and B12.
Not only steaks, but other foods have anti-stress properties as well. Wild berries such as bilberries, strawberries and raspberries contain the antioxidants that help against oxidative stress, which is directly linked with chronic illnesses and aging.
The calcium and magnesium found in cheese and yoghurt for example, are also seen as soothing products, because they relax muscle fibers. 1 oz (30 g) of cheese or 1/2 cup (120 g) of yoghurt are enough to curb stress.
Citrus fruits, such as grapefruits and oranges, contain high percentages of vitamin C, which plays a role in adrenaline production. Vitamin C deficiency can provoke fatigue and irritability.
Seaweeds, which are rich in iodine, when combined with fish are unparalleled in the battle against stress. Seafood, such as crabs and shrimp, contain loads of proteins, vitamins B6 and B12, selenium, zinc, which speed up protein metabolism.
Spinach is rich in iron and magnesium, known to relieve stress. Turkey meat contains the pacifying tryptophan.
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