Counseling and Wellness Services 053 Student Union Wright State University

Benefits of a Healthy Diet

• Healthy, personally satisfying diets have been found to be related to positive mental health.
• Individuals that eat fewer fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains and low fat dairy products tend to experience a greater number of mental health problems.
  • Some studies have shown that lower levels of fruits and vegetables, especially among women, is linked to increased  feelings of depression and anxiety.
• Increased or decreased appetite are signs of depression.
• Eating disorders, such as Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa, often co-occur with depression.  In addition thoughts of suicide are common among those individuals with eating disorders.
• Stress, which can be a risk for poor mental health, has also been linked to changes in hormones in the body, which can lead to weight gain.
  • Stress has also been shown to reduce the absorption of some nutrients, such as magnesium and Vitamins A, B, and C.
• Many people may use unhealthy eating habits to help cope with stress or feelings of depression, however many research studies have shown that this has only short-term effects.
• Reducing foods high in fats, sugars, and caffeine has been linked to positive psychological benefits.
• “Yo-yo” dieting, or going on and off diets for weight control, has been linked to more negative mental health outcomes than maintaining a consistent, healthy diet.