Dubai-based clinical dietician, Munawara Yahaya, sheds light on the intricate relationship between our dietary choices and mental health.
Dubai-based clinical dietician, Munawara Yahaya, sheds light on the intricate relationship between our dietary choices and mental health. In her insightful explanation, Yahaya emphasizes that the foundation of mental well-being lies in the nourishment of the brain, with food playing a pivotal role in maintaining this delicate balance.
The core of Yahaya’s argument lies in understanding the crucial role of neurotransmitters and neuronal stability in maintaining mental health. Surprisingly, she reveals that around 90% of serotonin, a key mood and sleep regulator, is produced in the gut rather than the brain. This highlights the profound impact of gut health on our psychological state.
Yahaya advocates for adopting healthier dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean or Japanese diets, which are rich in whole foods, antioxidants, fruits, and vegetables. According to her, individuals adhering to these diets are 25% less likely to suffer from depression compared to those consuming a typical Western diet high in processed foods and red meat.
Breaking down the concept of ‘brain foods,’ Yahaya emphasizes the importance of incorporating antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and amino acids into our diets. She stresses the significance of complex carbohydrates found in grains, fruits, and vegetables for sustained energy and stable blood sugar levels, crucial for serotonin production.
Expanding on Yahaya’s insights, consultant endocrinologist Jayakumar Kannan underscores the importance of Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish. These essential fats not only reduce inflammation, which is linked to depression and anxiety but also contribute to cognitive function. Additionally, fatty fish is a source of Vitamin D, implicated in mood regulation.
Furthermore, Kannan highlights the role of antioxidants in combating degenerative disorders. Found in berries, dark chocolate, green tea, and other plant-based foods, antioxidants protect against cognitive decline and mood disorders by neutralizing free radicals that damage brain cells.
Vitamins also play a crucial role in mental well-being, as explained by Yahaya. Fish, legumes, poultry, leafy greens, and various fruits and vegetables are rich sources of Vitamin B12, B6, E, and other essential nutrients essential for neurotransmitter production and cognitive function.
Probiotic-rich foods like kimchi and yogurt are emphasized for their role in supporting gut health, which is closely linked to serotonin production and mood regulation. Moreover, the consumption of caffeine, found in coffee, has been associated with improved cognitive function and mood enhancement in several studies.
Yahaya concludes by recommending dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean and DASH diets, which have been shown to reduce depression symptoms and enhance cognitive function. Additionally, she highlights the ‘mind diet,’ a blend of Mediterranean and DASH diets with a focus on brain health, as a promising approach to improve cognitive function and potentially reduce the risk of dementia.
In essence, the link between nutrition and mental health is undeniable. By making mindful food choices and adopting balanced dietary patterns, individuals can nurture their mental well-being and enhance their overall quality of life.