When it comes to our mental health, what we eat can have a significant impact. Studies have found that diets rich in whole and unprocessed foods can help with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Nutritional psychiatry suggests that our diet can affect our mental and emotional health. Eating a balanced diet full of vegetables and nutrients can improve feelings of well-being and mood.
The Mediterranean diet is especially beneficial for mental health as it helps fight inflammation, which is linked to mental illness. Poor eating habits can lead to depression, or worsen existing symptoms. Eating a variety of nutritious foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, is the best way to support mental health through diet. Irregular eating patterns have been linked to higher levels of neuroticism, loss of productivity, sleep problems and other factors affecting mental health.
Eating more fruits and vegetables has been associated with higher levels of optimism and self-efficacy, but with lower levels of depression and psychological distress. Cheat meals can make us feel sick both physically and mentally.
