Food is not only critical to people’s physical growth, it can also contribute to make us feel good mentally. As long as it is of quality and where fruit and vegetables play a leading role. It is the result of a new study by the University of East Anglia, led by the doctor Ailsa Welch and published on British Medical Journal: “Nutrition Prevention & Health“. The research analyzed the data of approx 7,500 secondary school children and over 1,200 primary school children in Norfolk, Great Britain. In particular, the association between nutritional factors and mental well-being was examined, measured through tests that concerned joy, moments of relaxation and interpersonal relationships. A strong association was found between healthy eating and higher well-being scores.
“In reality Research has provided us with data on this topic for many years. Nutrition is very much influenced by the psyche, and in turn influences it. Both directly, through the sensations that food triggers, and indirectly through the cerebral and biological circuits in general. A diet that is not obsessive but controlled, varied, suitable for the person, is a factor of health”, Observes the professor David Lazzari, president of the National Council of Psychologists.
Therefore, food and psyche influence each other. As another research published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, where some students were involved in different gratitude exercises for a month, such as writing a letter of gratitude to someone each week. From the beginning of the experiment, and three months after its conclusion, the students stated that negative emotions, stress, anxiety, sadness, generally associated with the search for and consumption of sweets and junk food; while after those changes, the group turned to much healthier eating habits.
Still central therefore, the positive state of mind, the psychological well-being which, in particular, consists of two aspects: “A transitory one, the momentary pleasant sensation that we experience in some situations of life, such as a food that gives pleasure, a situation positive conviviality ”, explains Lazzari. And the other aspect? “It is more structural and concerns well-being, that is, a subjective balance that we have built, and continually build, with ourselves and with others. We can say that this balance also affects nutrition, and a balanced diet in turn nourishes feeling good in life ”.
Professor Lazzari, research from the University of East Anglia showed that an increased consumption of fruit and vegetables is significantly associated with a feeling of well-being. Is there any other feedback on this positive relationship?
“Each food has intrinsic properties that can help the processes of our organism, including those of the brain. And fruits and vegetables are recommended for the positive effects they have. It must also be said that children and adolescents who live in psychologically healthier family situations generally also have a more correct diet ”.
That being the case, if our kids eat too much fat and sugary foods, do we risk having them more easily moody and aggressive?
“In the past, the boys ate what was cooked at home, the foods of the territory. Today not only do they have an infinity of industrial foods available, but they are also bombed for use. This has produced, as is well known, eating disorders and growing obesity even among children and adolescents. Using this low-quality food is bad and often addictive. An organism intoxicated by this type of diet not only works worse, but over time problems arise, such as an excess of inflammatory substances, which also affect mood. We can also take the example of activating foods, such as coffee, chocolate, which can help in small quantities but which damage if taken too much or too often ”.
How to increase knowledge and awareness of the relationship between food and mind, positive emotions and good nutrition?
“The main way is to promote a culture of respect for ourselves, our being and our health. Taking care of our body and our psyche, through a balanced diet, physical activity and the development of adequate psychological awareness. We are not machines and not even separate pieces, everything in us is a connected whole. To promote this culture, however, alarmist messages or blame must be avoided: they are useless and are counterproductive. Going from carelessness to obsessive and over-controlling behaviors means making things worse. Correct information and a serene spirit are needed to foster positive attitudes in young people ”.