The influence of food on mood

There is growing evidence supporting the link between diet and mental health and the benefits of positive food choices in the management of mental health difficulties. A combination of factors, such as genetics, age, and environment, appear to play a role in predisposing individuals to developing mental health problems.¹

In addition, studies have highlighted the ever-increasing role that food and nutrition play in our emotional status.¹ There is growing evidence to suggest that people with mental health problems are more likely to be of poor nutritional status and engage in poor dietary practices compared with the general population.²

The evidence suggests that food may play an important contributing role in the prevention, progression, and management of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and Alzheimer's disease.³ Research is ongoing in this area, and the role of nutrition in mental health has yet to be fully understood and embraced.