Our overall well-being depends on our mental health. Our social, psychological, and emotional well-being are all parts of our well-functioning mental health. Several studies have demonstrated the advantages of vegetarianism for our physical health, such as prevention of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.
So, what does the study say about vegetarianism's effects on our mental health?
Reduced Risk of Psychological Disorders (Anxiety & Depression)
A plant-based diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts has been linked to fewer instances of psychiatric illnesses like anxiety and depression, according to several academic studies.
Those who experience moderate to severe depression and anxiety may benefit a lot from a plant-based diet and regular exercise because an intervention combining food, exercise, lifestyle, and behaviour change may provide major advantages for moderate to severe sadness and anxiety.
An improvement in mood
Your mood may be improved by eating vegetarian food. A 30-day vegan diet was evaluated nutritionally and emotionally by Cornell University researchers in non-vegetarians. As participants adopted a vegan diet, they experienced a noticeable shift in mood as well as increased physical strength, excitement, and energy (Olabi et al., 2015).
Alzheimer's disease and Cognitive Function
Healthy plant-based meals contribute to brain ageing in a positive way. An increased incidence of dementia brought on by Alzheimer's disease may result from Westernised diets heavy in chemicals that induce inflammation (AD). Gregorevic (2022) supports that a plant-based food habit is the best way to protect our brains from ageing before time.
Better Sleeping Conditions
Our bodies need a good night's sleep to recoup from the stressors of the day, and our brains also benefit from it. Psychological issues and irritability can result from poor sleep and insomnia. Heart disease risk may also rise as a result of inadequate sleep quantity and quality. Patients who followed animal-based diets rather than plant-based diets were more likely to have mental health disorders and poor sleep habits, according to Cambridge University researchers who looked into the relationship between a plant-based diet and sleep and mental health status in diabetic women.
A well-thought-out, nutritious vegetarian diet that is low in processed and red meats and high in fibre and antioxidant-rich plant-based foods can provide your body with the defences it needs to fend off depression and keep your body and mind happy and healthy for a very long time.
