A recent study shows the dangers we might face if we follow a diet of fast food and caffeine. People between the age of 18-29 can experience greater levels of anxiety and depression.Â
Customized lifestyle and diets changes could also be vital for optimizing mental health, as per the recent findings. However, there is no one healthy diet that will work for all of us.
Here is what you need to know.
New Study Helps Us Understand Mental Health Better
A team of researchers led by Lina Begdache, an assistant professor in the Health and Wellness Studies Division at Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences, made quite the discovery.
For that, however, they needed five years and a lot of tests.
The team’s work
The team surveyed more than 2,600 people over a five-year period and collected enough data at different season and timepoints.
Next, the researchers split the participants into two age groups and gender (biological sex). What they found is genuinely intriguing.
Apparently, young adults of both genders think a lot about diet quality.Â
The findings: a matter of age and gender
According to the team’s findings, young adults who eat a poor-quality diet and encounter nutritional deficiencies might experience a higher level of mental distress.Â
Begdache explained:
“Young adults are still forming new connections between brain cells as well as building structures, therefore, they need more energy and nutrients to do that; […] it’s only when they consume mostly fast food that we start seeing mental distress.”
Caffeine has also proved to be a significant trigger in young adults because it can stimulate the nervous system, increasing anxiety.Â
Furthermore, the study shows how men are less likely to be affected by diet than women are. Usually, men eat a slightly healthy diet, which will work just fine for their good mental well-being.
On the other hand, women need to eat a whole spectrum of healthy food and exercise to reach positive mental well-being.Â
The team stated that more research is needed to figure out more things and offer the most suitable recommendations.