A Mediterranean-style weight loss plan may help alleviate nervousness

The benefits of a Mediterranean diet are already known as it cuts the risk of a heart attack, stroke and other conditions.

Now, however, sticking to meals rich in fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and olive oil has been shown to make people feel less anxiety and stress.

A study compared following this regime with a traditional Western diet, high in low-quality processed foods and sugary treats.

Of the 1,591 adults surveyed, analysis showed that those who ate components of the Mediterranean diet typically reported lower levels of perceived stress and mental distress.

Having Western eating habits was associated with higher levels, said researcher Professor Lina Begdache, of Binghamton University, New York.

The benefits of a Mediterranean diet are already known as it cuts the risk of a heart attack, stroke and other conditions. Now, however, sticking to meals rich in fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and olive oil has been shown to make people feel less anxiety and stress

Professor Begdache said her findings suggest that people can lower their perception of how much stress they can tolerate by following a Mediterranean diet.

She added: ‘Stress is recognised to be a precursor to mental distress, and research, including our own, has demonstrated that the Mediterranean diet lowers mental distress.

‘Thus, one element of the puzzle may be explained by the fact that the Mediterranean diet may be associated with a decrease in the negative components of perceived stress and an improvement in its positive attributes.’ While the Med-style diet was known for its benefits to both mental and physical health, little was known until now about its effect on perceived stress, which is the idea of how much stress you are under at any particular time.

Professor Begdache said that the results, published in the medical journal Nutrition and Health, ‘close a gap’ in the literature because the majority of studies on diet and stress focused on how stress affects dietary choices and quality.

Of the 1,591 adults surveyed, analysis showed that those who ate components of the Mediterranean diet typically reported lower levels of perceived stress and mental distress

The study paper says: ‘The results showed significant negative correlations between perceived stress and mental distress with several components of the Mediterranean diet, such as whole grains, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and beans.

‘Despite being attributed to the Western diet, meat produced a negative correlation with perceived stress and mental distress.

‘However, significant positive correlations between perceived stress and mental distress and the Western diet, such as fast food and high glycemic index food, were detected.

‘Our findings provide evidence that dietary patterns modulate the stress response and suggest that incorporating components of the Mediterranean diet is beneficial for mental wellbeing and stress reduction.’

Professor Begdache and her team are now looking at different aspects of brain function and behaviour in relation to dietary patterns.