Diet not only affects our physical health but also our mental health. So what should we choose to eat to see the happiness? Over the past 10 years, many studies have shown that eating healthy not only affects our physical health but also our mental health.
An unhealthy diet – many trans fat, sugar and processed and refined foods – increase the risk of depression, especially in children and adolescents, as it loses the nutrients it needs setting and producing bad bacteria in the intestines, affecting mental and physical health, according to Forbes.
Recently, an experiment conducted by epidemiologist Felice Jacka of Deakin University (Australia), measured the therapeutic impact of a healthy diet. The study included 67 subjects who were depressed, some who were on psychological treatment, some who were taking antidepressants and some who did both. Half of the participants were given nutrition advice, the other half were supported with social activities.
After 12 weeks, the diet change group felt significantly happier than the group that received the support.
Professor Jacka explained the study published in BMC Medicine that plant foods, healthy proteins and fats are always linked to better mental health outcomes. These diets are also high in fiber, essential for the gut microbiota, while the gut is actually the driving force for health, including mental health.
The team of scientists said that maintaining high levels of fiber through the consumption of plant foods is very important. The study of Konstanz University (Germany) also made a similar conclusion, showing that eating vegetables leads to a higher level of happiness than sugar or unhealthy foods.
From those studies, according to Forbes, we should make a diet high in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, yogurt, cheese, nuts, cereals, seafood, lean red meat and eliminate the real processed and fried products.