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