The old saying, “You are what you eat,” might need a new updating: your mind is shaped by what you eat. A new study found that raw fruit and vegetable intake predicted reduced depressive symptoms and lead to higher positive mood, life satisfaction, and flourishing. The top 10 natural foods related to better mental health were carrots, bananas, apples, dark leafy greens like spinach, grapefruit, lettuce, citrus fruits, fresh berries, cucumber, and kiwifruit.
The study investigated the differential associations between intake of raw fruits and vegetables, compared to 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 delivery of critical vitamins and other food sources needed for optimal emotional functioning.
A recent discovery that the food you eat influences your brain health gives dietary consideration even more importance and urgency. For example, calorie restriction significantly improves blood supply to the brain. In mice, the Ketogenic Diet (high levels of fat and low levels of carbohydrates) leads to positive results in patients with epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and autism. Detailed studies have shown that reduced blood glucose levels and lower body weight might have resulted from the gut's improved microbiome. The most exciting finding has been an amyloid-beta reduction, a known hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, from the brain. Thus, a Paleo diet, caveman diet, or stone-age diet might protect from Alzheimer's disease.
A recent discovery that the food you eat influences your brain health gives dietary consideration even more importance and urgency. For example, calorie restriction significantly improves blood supply to the brain. In mice, the Ketogenic Diet (high levels of fat and low levels of carbohydrates) leads to positive results in patients with epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and autism. Detailed studies have shown that reduced blood glucose levels and lower body weight might have resulted from the gut's improved microbiome. The most exciting finding has been an amyloid-beta reduction, a known hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, from the brain. Thus, a Paleo diet, caveman diet, or stone-age diet might protect from 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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