Russian cuisine against stress: what dishes help calm the nerves

Have you ever wondered why the world seems kinder after a plate of hearty borscht? It turns out that traditional Russian dishes don’t just warm the body — they heal the soul.

Scientists and chefs are increasingly talking about the link between national cuisine and mental health.

Borscht, for example, is rich in beets, a source of betaine, which improves serotonin production.

A study in the Journal of Nutritional Science confirms that regular consumption of this vegetable reduces anxiety.

Chef Andrey Makhov says that in his restaurant, guests often order borscht precisely for the “therapeutic effect”: “ After it, people smile differently.”

Buckwheat porridge, which Catherine II called the “queen of the table,” contains magnesium, a natural relaxant.

According to Harvard Health Publishing , a deficiency of this element increases the risk of stress.

Olga Smirnova, a nutritionist from Moscow, notes:

"Buckwheat stabilizes cortisol levels. It should be eaten at least three times a week."

Sauerkraut, beloved by Pushkin, is a natural probiotic.

Fermented foods, as Psychology Today writes, improve the gut microbiome, which is directly linked to emotions.

Health forum user Dmitry shares:

“I eat a spoonful before important meetings and the excitement goes away.”

Don't forget about fish soup. According to neurobiologists, fatty acids from river fish protect brain cells from inflammation. And herbal teas with mint and fireweed, which were drunk in ancient Rus', act as soft sedatives.

"Russian cuisine is a philosophy of slow enjoyment," says culinary historian Igor Sokolov . "When you cook shchi or bake pies, you meditate. This is the best cure for anxiety."

Reviews confirm: Anna from Kazan replaced her morning coffee with sea buckthorn tea and noticed that “her nerves stopped giving in.” And pensioner Lidiya from Vologda is sure that her optimism is due to her daily portion of stewed pumpkin with honey.

Russian cuisine is not just food. It is a centuries-old ritual of self-care, where each ingredient works as a natural antidepressant. Try it - and stress will go away without further ado.