According to a research by the Mental Health Foundation and Sustain from January 2006, the changes in dietary habits and farming methods from the last five decades seem to have played a crucial role in the noticeable rise in problems of mental health.
According to a research by the Mental Health Foundation and Sustain from January 2006, the changes in dietary habits and farming methods from the last five decades seem to have played a crucial role in the noticeable rise in problems of mental health.
Researchers reported that imbalanced and less nutritious diets have resulted in growing rates of mental illnesses: depression, schizophrenia as well as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and Alzheimer’s. Due to the report, industrialised farming has modified the composition of body fat of animals farmed for meat and introduced pesticides. This and other factors have resulted in huge reductions in key nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and essential fats, being consumed by significant parts of the population.
The drop in intake of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and an increase in the eating of foods containing harmful omega-6 fatty acids by most people is vital. According to the study by the Mental Health Foundation and Sustain, this has led to growth of depression, as well as problems of concentration.
Due to the report, only 29 % members of group of 15- to 24-year-olds declared everyday eating a meal made from scratch, compared to 50% of people aged over 65.
Evidence linking the influence of diet on our behaviour and mood has been growing.
“Complex carbohydates as well as certain food components such as folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium decrease depression symptoms. Some studies have found correlation between low fish intake in populations and high levels of depression. There is also evidence that a factor behind the growth of Alzheimer’s is the increase in diets high in saturated fat and low in vitamins and minerals” claims Jitender Nagpal, a psychiatrist at VIMHANS in Delhi.
The study reported a 34 % decline in consumption of vegetables and a 59% decrease in the amount of fish eaten in the last 60 years. Nowadays, only 13% of men and 15% of women consume at least five servings of fruit and vegetables every day. A diet containing proper amounts of essential fats, complex carbohydrates, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and water has guaranteed balanced mood and feeling of general well-being.
“This report reiterates the fact that it is important to maintain a balanced diet for a healthy mind. A lack of amino acids, from which neuro-transmitters in the brain are made, can lead to depression and apathy” - warns dietician Dr Anjali Mukherjee.
