It has been scientifically proven that the Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest forms of nutrition. An Australian study now shows another positive effect that affects young men in particular.
As FITBOOK previously reported, a 27-strong team of experts from “US News & World Report” chose the Mediterranean diet (also known as the Mediterranean diet). the healthiest form of nutrition in 2022 – and this for the fifth time in a row. Since the experts refer to findings from studies, no further evidence is actually needed to put more olive oil, fish, fruit and vegetables on the menu. But now an Australian study shows another positive influence that the Mediterranean diet has on health. And this mainly affects young men.
Amazing effect of healthy nutrition on the psyche
According to the German Depression Aid Foundation, about eleven percent of women and five percent of men in Germany suffer from depression.1 This disease is still underestimated by many, while being extremely dangerous. depressions are the main cause of suicide. And this is exactly where a healthy diet can help, as Australian researchers found out.
The Sydney University of Technology study is the first to examine the impact of a Mediterranean diet on young men’s mental health. For this purpose, 72 men were recruited as subjects. They were all between 18 and 25 years old and suffered from mild to severe depression. The subjects were divided into two groups: one group was switched to a Mediterranean diet, while the other was treated with social therapy.2
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Mediterranean diet apparently helps against depression
In order to investigate the effect of nutrition on the psyche, the subjects had to carry out a series of tests at the beginning, after six weeks and at the end after twelve weeks. The researchers found that the subjects with the Mediterranean diet consistently had better psychological values than those who only took part in the social therapy. In particular, the so-called BDI-II score, which measures depressive symptoms, improved significantly.
The explanation for this could lie in the gut. As the researchers explain in a university press release, a healthy diet can help release serotonin in the intestine.3 This messenger substance is colloquially often referred to as the happiness hormone because it has a positive effect on our mood. Serotonin is mainly produced in our intestinal flora. Dietary fiber is required for production to function properly. And this is exactly what the Mediterranean diet provides with a proportion of fruit, vegetables and legumes.
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Healthy intestinal flora plays an important role
“Around 90 percent of serotonin, a chemical that helps us feel happy, is made by microbes in our gut. There is new evidence that these microbes can communicate with the brain via the vagus nerve in what is known as the gut-brain axis,” explains study leader Jessica Bayes. And in order to feed them, we have to provide them with enough healthy fiber, which is primarily found in fruit, vegetables and legumes. For example, the test persons’ diet was changed to fresh whole foods and the consumption of highly processed foods such as fast food was severely restricted.
“These results underscore the important role of diet in the treatment of depression,” the researchers state. According to them, young people in particular who suffer from depression should also receive help from a nutritionist as an important part of therapy. Men in particular often do not respond well to common standard treatments for depression. However, this study showed that many of them adopted the Mediterranean diet and were willing to continue it even after the study.
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The basic rules of a Mediterranean diet
- use extra virgin olive oil
- eat fresh fruit and vegetables every day
- put fish on the menu several times a week
- rarely eat red meat
- varied diet
- Don’t forget nuts and legumes
- if alcohol, then red wine