the stress is at the heart of a vicious circle: not only would it destroy all the beneficial effects on health of a balanced diet, but in addition, it would encourage the choice of a less healthy meal, according to the results of a study published in the medical journal Molecular Psychiatry. Findings that should motivate people under stress to commit to a healthy diet, whatever the circumstances.
Stress destroys the beneficial effects of healthy eating
Researchers at the University of Ohio in the United States studied the impact of stress on the benefits of balanced diet with 58 women.
The scientists offered the participants two types of breakfasts: one rich in “good fat” and the other high in saturated fatty acids. During the study, the women reported the stressful events experienced the day before. To “quantify” the stress, the researchers looked at two markers of inflammation in the participants.
As a result, they observed that stress altered the beneficial effects of a healthy, balanced diet. Indeed, this change in mood increased markers of inflammation, regardless of the meal consumed.
Jan Kiecolt-Glaser, lead author of the study and professor of psychiatry and psychology states that “if you are stressed, it does not matter what you eat”. Martha Belury, co-author of the study and professor of human nutrition at Ohio University says, “We know that a less healthy meal is going to have detrimental effects on markers of inflammation. As stress increases these risks, people with anxiety should try to choose healthy and balanced meals to break this vicious cycle ”.
So if you can’t relax, find yourself all our anti-stress tips, there is bound to be one that should suit you.
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