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Frequency of fruit consumption and savoury snacking predict psychological health; selective mediation via cognitive failures
There is a growing interest in the connection between diet and psychological health. Yet, there needs to be more research specifically examining the relationships between nutrient-rich foods (like fruits and vegetables) and nutrient-poor foods (such as high-calorie snacks) in relation to psychological well-being. Furthermore, little is known about the psychological processes underlying the relationship between food consumption and mental health. This study by Tuck et al. (2023) aimed to examine the potential mediating role of cognitive processes in the relationship between food intake and psychological well-being. In this cross-sectional online study, 428 healthy adults (53% female; mean age = 39.7, SD = 13.0) participated, completing various validated questionnaires on their dietary habits and psychological health. Data analysis indicated that higher fruit consumption was linked to lower depression symptoms and enhanced positive psychological well-being. In contrast, frequent consumption of savory snacks was associated with increased anxiety. Subsequent investigations revealed that consuming more savory snacks was associated with higher levels of stress, anxiety, sadness, and poorer psychological well-being. This association was mostly caused by an increase in cognitive errors. These findings offer new insights into the distinct relationships between different types of food and psychological health, as well as the cognitive mechanisms that may mediate these relationships. Future research is necessary to establish causality and explore whether dietary modifications could serve as effective targets for improving psychological (or mental) health. [NPID: Cognition, fruit, mental health, psychological health, snacking, vegetables, wellbeing]
Year: 2023
