Balanced diet tends to have better mental health, cognitive functioning: Study

Karachi:  A recent study published in Nature Mental Health on Sunday revealed that individuals who maintained a balanced diet tended to have better mental health and cognitive functioning.

 The research examined the impact of various dietary patterns on multiple aspects of brain health, including mental well-being, cognitive performance, metabolic biomarkers, and brain structure, assessed through MRI scans.

Therefore, whether a diet is vegetarian or non-vegetarian, the emphasis should be on the quality and balance of the foods consumed.

The findings highlight the significance of wise nutritional choices for enhancing brain function and mental health outcomes. Diets abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats are associated with improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of cognitive decline. On the other hand, diets high in processed foods, saturated fats, and sugars can negatively affect the brain, leading to poorer mental health and cognitive performance.