The old saying, “You are what you eat,” might need an update: your mind is shaped by what you eat. A new study found that raw fruit and vegetable intake predicted reduced depressive symptoms and was associated with higher positive mood, life satisfaction, and flourishing. The top 10 natural foods supporting mental health were carrots, bananas, apples, dark leafy greens like spinach, grapefruit, lettuce, citrus fruits, fresh berries, cucumbers, and kiwifruit.
The study investigated the differential associations between the intake of raw fruits and vegetables and processed (cooked or canned) fruits and vegetables, and mental health in young adults. Fruits and vegetables contain a variety of micronutrients critical to physical and psychological function. Antioxidants such as vitamin C and carotenoids might protect the body against oxidative stress. Water-soluble vitamins (vitamin C and B vitamins), and certain minerals (calcium, magnesium, and zinc), are essential for optimal cognitive and emotional functioning. Cooking and processing fruits and vegetables diminish their nutrient levels, limiting the availability of critical vitamins and other nutrients needed for optimal emotional functioning.
The significant influence of food on our brain health underscores the importance of dietary considerations. For example, calorie restriction improves blood supply to the brain. The Ketogenic Diet (high levels of fat and low levels of carbohydrates) improves the condition of epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and autism patients. Detailed studies have shown that reduced blood glucose levels and lower body weight might have resulted from the gut's improved microbiome. The Paleo diet, caveman diet, or stone-age diet might protect from Alzheimer's disease. The diet appears to reduce amyloid-beta accumulation in the brain, a known hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
The significant influence of food on our brain health underscores the importance of dietary considerations. For example, calorie restriction improves blood supply to the brain. The Ketogenic Diet (high levels of fat and low levels of carbohydrates) improves the condition of epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and autism patients. Detailed studies have shown that reduced blood glucose levels and lower body weight might have resulted from the gut's improved microbiome. The Paleo diet, caveman diet, or stone-age diet might protect from Alzheimer's disease. The diet appears to reduce amyloid-beta accumulation in the brain, a known hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
Picture credit: Fruit market by Diderot
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Your bowel health has a lot to do with your mental health
ReplyDeleteThat is a good summary, thank you.
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