Summary: Following a Mediterranean diet versus a traditional Western diet may make you feel less stressed, according to new research. The results suggest that people can reduce their perception of how much stress they can handle by following a Mediterranean diet.
The plant-based diet with healthy fats is the opposite of the Western diet, which is rich in processed foods. The study used a survey and machine learning to show that the Mediterranean diet is associated with reduced stress and mental distress.
Key facts:
- Effects on diet: Mediterranean diet linked to lower perceived stress levels.
- Learning method: Surveyed over 1,500 people and assessed eating habits and stress.
- Diet Comparison: Western diet linked to higher levels of stress and mental distress.
Source: Binghamton University
Following a Mediterranean diet versus a traditional Western diet may make you feel like you’re under less stress, according to a new study conducted by a team from Binghamton University, State University of New York.
The results suggest that people can reduce their perception of how much stress they can handle by following a Mediterranean diet, said Lina Begdache, associate professor of health and wellness studies.
“Stress is recognized as a precursor to mental distress, and research, including our own, has shown that the Mediterranean diet reduces mental distress,” she said.
“Thus, one aspect of the puzzle can be explained by the fact that the Mediterranean diet may be associated with a reduction in the negative aspects of perceived stress and an improvement in its positive aspects.”
The Mediterranean diet is plant-based with healthy fats and includes mostly healthy foods and a spectrum of natural colors. The diet is in stark contrast to the Western diet, which is known for its high concentration of high-quality and low-quality processed foods.
While the Mediterranean diet is known for its benefits for both mental and physical health, little is known about its effect on perceived stress, which is the idea of how much stress you are under at any given time.
To assess this, Begdache and her students surveyed over 1,500 people, asking them what foods they ate and assessing their level of stress. Using a machine learning model, the results show that consumption of elements of the Mediterranean diet is associated with lower stress and mental distress, while consumption of Western dietary elements is associated with perceived stress and mental distress.
Begdache said these findings close a gap in the literature because the majority of research on diet and stress has focused on how stress affects diet and quality. She and her team are looking at different aspects of brain function and behavior in relation to eating patterns.
About this diet and stress research news
Author: Jon Brhel
Source: Binghamton University
Contact: John Brhel – Binghamton University
Image: The image is submitted to Neuroscience News
Original research: Open access.
“Effects of Mediterranean and Western diets on perceived stress and mental distress” by Lina Begdache et al. Nutrition and health
Abstract
Effects of Mediterranean and Western diets on perceived stress and psychological distress
Compared to the Western diet, the Mediterranean diet has many known benefits for both mental and physical health; however, little is known about the effects of these dietary patterns on perceived stress and psychological distress.
To assess the relationship between eating patterns, perceived stress, and mental well-being, an anonymous online questionnaire targeting adults aged 18 years and older was distributed through several social media and email lists.
The survey included demographic questions, the Food-Mood Questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-6). A total of 1591 participants completed the survey. The data were analyzed using Principal Component Analysis and Pearson Correlation Coefficient in SPSS version 28.0.
The results showed a significant negative correlation between perceived stress and mental distress with several components of the Mediterranean diet, such as whole grains, seafood, fruits, vegetables and beans.
Despite being attributed to a Western diet, meat was negatively correlated with perceived stress and mental distress. However, significant positive correlations were found between perceived stress and mental distress and Western diet, such as fast food and high glycemic index foods.
Our findings provide evidence that dietary patterns modulate stress responses and suggest that participating in the Mediterranean diet is beneficial for mental well-being and stress reduction.
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