What is G.A.B.A ?

You’ve heard of ABBA, right? But have you heard of GABA? ….No, its not a Swedish tribute band, it’s a neural transmitter found naturally in foods designed to keep your calm and relaxed. Mamma Mia!

As we all know this past year has been very demanding in more ways than one. Stress levels are high, so it’s important to have stress-relieving coping strategies that allow you to relax, unwind and get the sleep you need to stay healthy, balanced and mentally strong.

One effective way in staying calm is to increase your levels of an amino acid called gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA for short.

GABA is a neurotransmitter or chemical messenger, to assist interactions between your brain and your nervous system. Known for its calming effects, GABA is your body’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter. Its primary job is to inhibit, or reduce, the activity of nerve cells throughout your nervous system. This helps to reduce anxiety, slowing down your mind from an active state into a state of relaxation and eventually sleep. It really is a ‘Super Trooper’

Foods that contain GABA are highly nutritious and by eating GABA rich foods, you’ll be supporting your overall wellbeing and your body’s relaxation mechanisms at the same time!

GABA-rich foods include cruciferous vegetables, beans, peas, tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, sprouted grains, rice (particularly brown rice), and chestnuts. Also, enjoy fermented foods such as, kefir, yogurt, tempeh, kimchi, and oolong, green and white teas.

Now you know ‘the name of the game’ for calming your mood through stressful times, so it’s time to ‘take a chance’ because ‘the winner takes it all’ – Sorry!