American researchers compared the impact of Mediterranean and Western diets on the perception of stress.
- Following the Mediterranean diet compared to the traditional Western diet may make you feel less stressed, according to a new study.
- Several components of the Mediterranean diet – such as whole grains, seafood, fruits, vegetables and beans – are associated with lower perceived stress.
- In contrast, fast food and high glycemic index foods are linked to increased perceived stress.
Stress levels rising? Try the Mediterranean diet. A study from Binghamton University shows that it is possible to reduce the perception of stress we can tolerate by following this diet rich in vegetables, fruits and omega-3s.
The article was published in the scientific journal Nutrition and Health.
Mediterranean diet reduces perceived stress
To better understand the effect of diet on the perception of stress, American researchers gathered more than 1,500 volunteers. They were questioned about the composition of their plates. They also had to evaluate their stress level.
Using a machine learning model, the team analyzed the responses. The results reveal that consumption of several components of the Mediterranean diet – such as whole grains, seafood, fruits, vegetables and beans – is associated with lower levels of perceived stress and mental distress.
Western diets had the opposite effect. Fast food and high-glycemic foods (sweets, breakfast cereals, white bread, processed cakes, etc.), two common elements of this diet, are correlated with an increase in perceived stress and mental distress. Surprisingly, meat (also very present in the Western diet and often singled out) seemed to have a positive effect on mental health, according to the study.
Dietary habits modulate stress response
“Stress is recognized as a precursor to mental distress, and research, including ours, has shown that the Mediterranean diet reduces mental distress.”explains the author of the study, Lina Begdache in a press release. “One piece of the puzzle could be explained by the fact that the Mediterranean diet could be associated with a decrease in the negative components of perceived stress and an improvement in its positive attributes.”
For researchers, there is no doubt that eating habits modulate the response to stress and including foods from the Mediterranean diet in meals is beneficial for mental well-being and stress reduction.
