The benefits of a Mediterranean diet are already known, as it reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke and other conditions.
However, it has now been shown that eating foods rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and olive oil makes people feel less anxious and stressed.
One study compared following this regimen to a traditional Western diet, rich in low-quality processed foods and sugary treats.
Of the 1,591 adults surveyed, the analysis showed that those who consumed components of the Mediterranean diet generally reported lower levels of perceived stress and mental distress.
Having Western eating habits was associated with higher levels, said researcher Professor Lina Begdache of Binghamton University in New York.
The benefits of the Mediterranean diet are already well known, as it reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other diseases. However, it has now been shown that following a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and olive oil reduces anxiety and stress.
Professor Begdache said her findings suggest people may be able to reduce their perception of how much stress they can tolerate by following a Mediterranean diet.
She added: ‘Stress is recognised as a precursor to mental distress, and research, including our own, has shown that the Mediterranean diet reduces mental distress.
‘Thus, one element of the puzzle may be explained by the fact that the Mediterranean diet may be associated with a decrease in the negative components of perceived stress and an enhancement of its positive attributes.’ While the Mediterranean diet was known for its mental and physical health benefits, until now little was known about its effect on perceived stress, which is the idea of how much stress you are under at a given time.
Professor Begdache said the findings, published in the journal Nutrition and Health, “fill a gap” in the literature because most studies on diet and stress focused on how stress affects diet choices and quality.
Of the 1,591 adults surveyed, the analysis showed that those who consumed components of the Mediterranean diet generally reported lower levels of perceived stress and mental distress.
The study states: ‘The results showed significant negative correlations between perceived stress and mental distress with several components of the Mediterranean diet, such as whole grains, seafood, fruits, vegetables and legumes.
‘Despite being attributed to the Western diet, meat produced a negative correlation with perceived stress and mental distress.
‘However, significant positive correlations were detected between perceived stress and mental distress and Western diet, such as fast food and foods with a high glycemic index.
‘Our findings provide evidence that dietary patterns modulate the stress response and suggest that incorporating components of the Mediterranean diet is beneficial for mental well-being and stress reduction.’
Professor Begdache and her team are now studying different aspects of brain function and behaviour in relation to dietary patterns.