Nutrition and Mental Health: The Connection Between Food and Emotional Well-being

By Beka Romero

Our diet not only has great importance concerning physical health, but also in mental and emotional health.

A balanced eating plan,  not only provides the nutrients necessary for the proper functioning of the body, but can also affect mood, mental clarity, and overall mental health.

There is research that has shown the association between the foods we consume every day and mental well-being. For example, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, healthy fats, among other foods, is related to a lower incidence of depression and anxiety. These foods provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for brain function and mood regulation.

On the other hand, excessive consumption of processed foods, added sugars and fats such as cookies, chips, soft drinks and many more have been associated with an increased risk of mood disorders, such as depression. These foods can cause inflammation in the body and might affect brain chemistry negatively, which can contribute to mental health problems.

It is important to adopt a balanced and nutritious eating plan, since it is not only beneficial for the body, but also for the mind because by ingesting them we are automatically changing our way of thinking and we feel better.

Creating healthy habits can be a little complicated at first, but the reward is not only for your body but for your emotional well-being today and every day.