Summary: Following the Mediterranean diet versus the traditional Western diet might make you feel less stressed, according to new research. The findings suggest that people can lower their perception of how much stress they can tolerate by following a Mediterranean diet.
The diet is plant-based with healthy fats and contrasts with the Western diet, which is high in processed foods. The study used a survey and machine learning to show that the Mediterranean diet is associated with lower perceived stress and mental distress.
Key Facts:
- Diet Impact: Mediterranean diet linked to lower perceived stress levels.
- Study Method: Surveyed over 1,500 people and assessed dietary habits and stress.
- Diet Comparison: Western diet associated with higher perceived stress and mental distress.
Source: Binghamton University
Following the Mediterranean diet versus the traditional Western diet might make you feel like you’re under less stress, according to new research conducted by a team from Binghamton University, State University of New York.
The findings suggest that people can lower their perception of how much stress they can tolerate by following a Mediterranean diet, said Lina Begdache, associate professor of health and wellness studies.
“Stress is recognized to be a precursor to mental distress, and research, including our own, has demonstrated that the Mediterranean diet lowers mental distress,” she said.
“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 improvement in its positive attributes.”
The Mediterranean diet is plant-based with healthy fats and mostly includes wholesome food and a spectrum of natural colors. The diet stands in sharp contrast to the Western diet, which is known for its high concentration of high-glycemic and low-quality processed foods.
While the Mediterranean diet is known for its benefits to both mental health 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 particular time.
To assess this, Begdache and her students conducted a survey of over 1,500 people, asking them what types of foods they ate and assessing their levels of perceived stress. Using a machine learning model, the results show that consuming components of the Mediterranean diet is associated with lower levels of perceived stress and mental distress, while consuming Western dietary components is correlated with perceived stress and mental distress.
Begdache said that these results close a gap in the literature because the majority of studies on diet and stress focused on how stress affects dietary choices and quality. She and her team are looking at different aspects of brain function and behaviors in relation to dietary patterns.
Abstract
Effects of Mediterranean and Western dietary patterns on perceived stress and mental distress
Compared to the Western diet, the Mediterranean diet has many known benefits for both mental health and physical health; however, little is known about the effect of these dietary patterns on perceived stress and mental distress.
To assess the relationship between dietary patterns, perceived stress and mental wellbeing, an anonymous online questionnaire targeting adults 18 and older was distributed via several social media platforms and email listservs.
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 was analyzed using Principal Component Analysis and Pearson Correlation Coefficient in SPSS version 28.0.
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 beans.
Despite being attributed to the Western diet, meat produced a negative correlation with perceived stress and mental distress. However, significant positive correlations between perceived stress and mental distress and the Western diet, such as fast food and high glycemic index food, were detected.
Our findings provide evidence that dietary patterns modulate the stress response and suggest that incorporating components of the Mediterranean diet is beneficial for mental wellbeing and stress reduction.
About this diet and stress research news
Author: John Brhel
Source: Binghamton University
Contact: John Brhel – Binghamton University
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Open access.
“Effects of Mediterranean and Western dietary patterns on perceived stress and mental distress” by Lina Begdache et al. Nutrition and Health
