"Comfort
foods" that contain a high amount of fat and sugar may temporarily
stimulate the reward center of the brain, but what effect do they have on long-term mental health? Researchers sought to determine associations between diet
and the hippocampus, an area of the brain responsible for mood regulation.
In the first
human study of diet and hippocampal volume, researchers found a significant
association between diet quality and the size of the left hippocampal region of
the brain in older adults. This longitudinal study, which analyzed the diet
quality of 255 participants, collected data once at a baseline time point, and
again four years later. Information was gathered through MRI brain studies,
food records and questionnaires collected at the two time points.
For this
study, a healthy diet was defined as including more fresh vegetables, salad,
fruit and grilled fish, while a Western diet included more roast meat,
sausages, hamburgers, steak, chips and soft drinks. After a thorough
statistical analysis, results showed that left hippocampal volume was
significantly smaller in those consuming less nutritious foods and also in
those consuming greater amounts of unhealthy foods.
This supports
previous data suggesting that, while unhealthy comfort foods may make you feel
better in the short term, these foods may actually be associated with
an increased risk for depression and impaired cognitive ability in the long term.
The Bottom
Line: When feeling sad or stressed, think
twice before reaching for a quick fix through foods high in sugar and fat.
Instead, consider engaging in a stress-busting activity such as exercising,
reading, calling a friend or listening to music. Additionally, fuel up with
fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates for lasting energy.
Visit Wellness Workdays for more information about our worksite wellness programs.
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