Reference Number: 418
Year: 2020
Link: Link to original paper
Health: Depression | Glycemic response | Gut Microbiome - Creating Healthier Bread to Support Optimal Gut Health | Inflammation | Lifestyle / Sleep | Mental Health
Summary
Key messages
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Healthy eating patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, are associated with better mental health than “unhealthy” eating patterns, such as the Western diet
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The effects of certain foods or dietary patterns on glycaemia, immune activation, and the gut microbiome may play a role in the relationships between food and mood
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More research is needed to understand the mechanisms that link food and mental wellbeing and determine how and when nutrition can be used to improve mental health
What does this mean for a baker?
This study gives a great overview of the links between diet and physical and mental health, as well as a discussion on connections between the brain and the gut microbiome. The research highlights how a Mediterranean diet can improve mental wellbeing, which includes high levels of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, and moderate levels of poultry, eggs, and dairy products. Limiting fast foods (those with a high glycaemic index and load) and incresing consumption of high fibre foods, such as sourdough, can have a direct effect on physical and mental health.
Try including more diversity in your bakes by using botanical blends. Combine a slice of your diverse sourdough loaf with a bowl of Kohlrabi and Lentil Soup.