Are Vegetarians Happier People?

With consumers being more health conscious these days, it’s no wonder that plant-based diets have become increasingly popular. Well-balanced vegetarian diets are typically rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients and can provide many health benefits. A recent study investigated whether vegetarian diets can boost mental health along with physical health.

Evidence suggests consumption of fish may protect mental health due to its rich supply of polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Because the vegetarian diet typically excludes fish, researchers examined whether this could negatively impact mental health. The study looked at associations between mood state and polyunsaturated fatty acid intake as a result of adherence to a vegetarian or omnivorous diet in 138 healthy Seventh Day Adventist men and women residing in Arizona and California. Participants in the vegetarian group excluded all flesh foods including fish. Participants completed a Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) and quantitative food frequency and Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaires.

The vegetarian participants did report a significantly lower intake of EPA and DHA but reported higher intakes of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including alpha-linolenic acid and linolenic acid, compared to the non-vegetarian group. Total Depression Anxiety Stress Scale scores of the vegetarian participants were significantly lower than non-vegetarian participants. Mean total Profile of Mood States scores of vegetarian participants were also significantly lower than non-vegetarian participant scores indicating better mood in vegetarian participants.

Bottom Line: Incorporating more plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables and legumes into your diet suggests mental health benefits. The results of this study indicate vegetarians may have significantly less negative emotions and stress than non-vegetarians. To boost your mood and reap health benefits, try incorporating more plant-based foods into your snacks and meals. Small changes matter; going meat free for just one meal each day is a great start! 

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