A British study published in the Central European Journal of Public Health showed a connection between diet and mental health among university students.
Researchers had over 3,700 students at 7 universities in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales self administer questionnaires, including a 12-item food frequency questionnaire, Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale, and modified Beck Depression Inventory.
What they discovered was those who at the following foods were more likely to report depressive symptoms that those who didn’t eat these foods:
- Sweets
- Cookies
- Snacks
- Fast food
They also found that women who eat these foods were more likely to report increased stress compared to those who didn’t eat those foods.
On the other hand, those who consumed healthy foods (such as fresh fruit, salads, and cooked vegetables) reported less stress and fewer depressive symptoms than those who didn’t eat those foods. This was true for males and females. Likewise, males who ate fish and seafood reported fewer depressive symptoms.
This is yet more research to a growing, strong body of studies that show a significant connection between what we consume and our mental health, supporting what we at Truehope have been saying for over 20 years.