Research has found that following a Mediterranean diet, as opposed to the traditional Western diet, could help reduce stress. The study suggests that by adopting the Mediterranean diet, people might feel less stressed and better able to handle stress.
What is the Mediterranean Diet?
The Mediterranean diet is plant-based and includes healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and seafood. In contrast, the Western diet is often high in processed foods and sugars, which can negatively affect health. The Mediterranean diet is known for its benefits to both mental and physical health, and now, it appears to have a positive impact on stress levels too.
Key Findings of the Study
A research team from Binghamton University, State University of New York, conducted a survey of over 1,500 people to study the relationship between diet and stress. The participants were asked about their dietary habits and their levels of perceived stress. Using machine learning, the researchers found that those who followed the Mediterranean diet reported lower levels of perceived stress and mental distress.
Lina Begdache, an associate professor of health and wellness studies at Binghamton University, explained that stress is often a precursor to mental distress. The Mediterranean diet seems to help reduce the negative effects of stress while promoting positive mental health.
Comparing the Mediterranean and Western Diets
While the Mediterranean diet includes wholesome foods that are rich in natural colors and nutrients, the Western diet is characterized by high-glycemic, low-quality processed foods. The study showed that the Western diet is linked to higher levels of perceived stress and mental distress.
Interestingly, the study also found that while meat, often associated with the Western diet, showed a negative correlation with stress, other Western diet components like fast food and sugary foods were strongly linked to higher stress levels.
Implications for Mental Health
This research highlights the importance of diet in managing stress and mental health. Incorporating more elements of the Mediterranean diet into your daily eating habits could be a simple way to reduce stress and improve overall mental well-being.
The findings are particularly significant because most studies on diet and stress have focused on how stress influences eating habits. This study, however, sheds light on how dietary choices can impact stress levels, suggesting that what you eat can play a crucial role in how you feel.
References:
- Binghamton University – Study on Mediterranean Diet and Stress
- Neuroscience News – Overview of Mediterranean vs. Western Diet
This article is based on research from Binghamton University and published by Neuroscience News, a reliable source for scientific news and insights.
