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Impact of a Nordic diet on psychological function in young students
The prevalence of psychiatric and psychological disorders has risen rapidly, prompting interest in identifying modifiable lifestyle factors that influence mood. Diet is one such factor that may play a role in psychological well-being. This study explored the relationship between adherence to the health-promoting Nordic diet (ND) and neuropsychological function in young women. It included 181 female students aged 18 to 25. Psychological function was assessed using standardized questionnaires, including the Cognitive Ability Questionnaire, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Insomnia Severity Index, Epworth Sleep Scale, and Quality of Life Questionnaire. Dietary intake was evaluated using a validated food frequency questionnaire covering 65 food types. Analysis of dietary composition revealed that higher adherence to the ND was positively associated with increased intake of total energy, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, folate, phosphorus, vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins B6 and B12, carotene, whole grains, legumes, cabbage/vegetables, and fruits (p<0.05). Linear regression analysis indicated that cabbage/vegetable consumption was inversely related to stress (β = –0.04; p = 0.038) and anxiety (β = –0.02; p = 0.049), while positively associated with quality of life (β = 0.02; p = 0.036). These findings suggest that adherence to the Nordic diet, particularly with a high intake of cabbage and vegetables, is linked to lower stress and anxiety levels and improved health-related quality of life.
Year: 2021
