Processed Food & Mental Health

Researchers were interested in whether the consumption of ultra-processed food (UPF) had an impact on mental health. 

UPF is processed food that contain little or no whole food, and also contain cosmetic food additives such as flavorings and colorings.  Ultra-processing food decreases its nutritional value, while also adding calories.  The most common UPF are sweetened beverages, packaged snacks, reconstituted meat products, chips, cookies, cake, breakfast cereal, and bread.  UPF is high in added sugar, fat, and salt, and because they are convenient and low cost, UPF represents about 60% of calories consumed in the US.

Two large studies in Europe showed that individuals who ate a diet high in sugars had greater risks of anxiety and depression and individuals that ate diets rich in fish, vegetables, fruit, beans, whole grains, and nuts (such as the Mediterranean Diet) had significantly lower risk of depression.

Researchers examined food intake and mental health data from 10,359 adults aged 18 and older, with no history of cocaine, methamphetamine or heroin use, from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2007 and 2012.  The participants were average age 42 years, 53% women, 66% non-Hispanic white, 32% were overweight, and 36% were obese.  In this sample of Americans, 57% of the calories were from UPF.

Individuals who consumed the highest amounts of UPF, as compared to those who consumed the least amounts of UPF, reported experiencing more mild depression symptoms, and more anxious and mentally unhealthy days per month.

Takeaway:  UPF consumption likely has an adverse impact on mental health. Whole foods, such as fruit, vegetables, beans, nuts, and whole grains, are more nutritious and promote mental well-being.

Well-being is a journey, not a quick fix

Source

Eric M. Hecht, et al., Cross-Sectional Examination of Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Adverse Mental Health Symptoms, Public Health Nutr., Cambridge Core, July 28, 2022, Cross-sectional examination of ultra-processed food consumption and adverse mental health symptoms | Public Health Nutrition | Cambridge Core.