How an unhealthy diet can affect the psyche
So-called ultra-processed foods and beverages seem to be anxiety and depression to favor. As the consumption of such foods increases, there is a risk that more and more people will develop mental illnesses such as depressions or anxiety disorders develop.
In a new study involving experts from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) investigated whether people who eat larger amounts of ultra-processed foods mental health problems exhibit. The study results were published in the journal “Public Health Nutrition” released.
Study had 10,359 participants
For the new research, a representative sample of the US population was drawn from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey analyzed. This included a total of 10,359 participants ages 18 and older who had no prior history of cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin use, the team reports.
In the study, the team used the so-called NOVA food classificationa widespread system recently adopted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
The system takes the Type, scope and purpose of food processing, making it possible to classify food and drink into four distinct groups. These include: unprocessed or minimally processed foods, processed culinary ingredients, processed foods, and ultra-processed foods, the researchers said.
Effects of ultra-processed foods
Analysis of the data showed that participants who consumed the most ultra-processed foods had one statistically significant increase of negative mental health symptoms, mild depressionsdays with mental health problems and days with anxiety compared to people who consumed the least ultra-processed foods.
In addition, these people also had one significantly lower rate of days when they do not have any mental health problems or fears suffered, the experts add.
Ultra-processed foods popular and unhealthy
Ultra-processed foods are inexpensive, can be prepared quickly or are already ready to eatwhich are certainly all reasons for the increasing popularity of such products.
However, ultra-processed foods are the result of larger amounts physical, biological and chemical processeswhich have the result that it’s up to them original and natural ingredients are missingexplain the experts.
Instead, ultra-processed foods usually contain a variety of Flavors, colorings, emulsifiers and others cosmetic additivesadd the researchers.
Less nutritional value for more calories
„Ultra-processing foods decreases their nutritional value and also increases their calorie count, as ultra-processed foods are typically high in added sugars, saturated fats, and salt, while being low in protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and secondary nutrients contain plant substances“, says study author Dr. Eric Hecht in a press release.
According to the doctor, more than 70 percent of packaged food classified as ultra-processed foods. About 60 percent of all the calories people eat in America come from such ultra-processed foods.
Depression from ultra-processed foods
In the past there has already been various evidence for the connection between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and depression, according to the experts. However, data on negative psychological symptoms (e.g. anxiety and days with mental problems) have so far been scarce.
„The data from this study adds important and relevant information to a growing body of evidence on the negative effects of ultra-processed food consumption on mental health“, emphasizes the author of the study Dr. A.S. Charles H. Hennekens.
According to the expert, analytical epidemiological research is now needed to test the many hypotheses derived from this data. (as)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the requirements of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Sources:
- Eric M. Hecht, Anna Rabil, Euridice Martinez Steele, Gary A. Abrams, Deanna Ware, et al.: Cross-sectional examination of ultra-processed food consumption and adverse mental health symptoms; in: Public Health Nutrition (veröffentlicht 28.07.2022), Public Health Nutrition
- Florida Atlantic University: Feeling Anxious or Blue? Ultra-processed Foods May be to Blame (veröffentlicht 25.08.2022), FAU
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.