New research from Binghamton University, State University of New York, suggests that following the Mediterranean diet might help people feel less stressed compared to those who follow the traditional Western diet.
This study, led by Lina Begdache, an associate professor of health and wellness studies, indicates that the way we eat could influence not just our physical health but also how we perceive and manage stress.
Stress is often seen as a precursor to mental health issues, and previous research, including studies by Begdache’s team, has shown that the Mediterranean diet can reduce symptoms of mental distress.
The new findings provide more insight, suggesting that this diet might also help reduce the negative feelings associated with stress and enhance its positive aspects.
The Mediterranean diet is known for being plant-based, featuring healthy fats, and consisting mainly of whole foods with a wide variety of natural colors.
It contrasts sharply with the Western diet, which is often high in processed foods and sugars, known to have a high glycemic index and lower nutritional quality.
While the benefits of the Mediterranean diet for mental and physical health are well-documented, its specific impact on perceived stress—how much stress a person feels they are under—has not been thoroughly studied until now.
To explore this, Begdache and her team conducted a survey of more than 1,500 people. They asked participants about their eating habits and assessed their levels of perceived stress.
The researchers used a machine learning model to analyze the data and found that those who consumed more elements of the Mediterranean diet reported lower levels of perceived stress and mental distress.
In contrast, those who consumed more Western diet components reported higher levels of stress and mental distress.
These findings are important because they address a gap in the existing research. Most previous studies have focused on how stress influences dietary choices, rather than how different diets might affect how we perceive and experience stress.
By shifting the focus to how diet can influence stress perception, Begdache and her team are exploring a new dimension of brain function and behavior in relation to what we eat.
The study, titled “Effects of Mediterranean and Western dietary patterns on perceived stress and mental distress,” was published in the journal Nutrition and Health.
It adds to the growing body of evidence that diet plays a crucial role in mental well-being and suggests that adopting healthier eating patterns could be a simple yet effective way to manage stress and improve overall mental health.
In summary, this research highlights the potential of the Mediterranean diet to help people feel less stressed and mentally distressed.
By choosing a diet rich in whole, natural foods and healthy fats, individuals may not only improve their physical health but also enhance their ability to cope with the stresses of everyday life.
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The research findings can be found in Nutrition and Health.
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