New research has highlighted which food could be linked to positive well-being in older populations, as a cheap and easy way of boosting mood.
While there is much research around which foods reduce the effects of symptoms such as depression, less is known about the role food plays in actively improving well-being.
Previous studies have identified fruit, vegetables, polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) which include the healthy fats omega-3 and omega-6, and fish as having the potential to enhance mood.
These have been linked to a reduction in depression symptoms, possibly through improved gut health, a reduction in inflammation, and improved neurotransmitter activity.
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More specifically, past research has found that eating more fruit and vegetables is linked to greater happiness and life satisfaction, while PUFAs and fish could also play a part in regulating mood and brain health.
However, the link between food and mood is complicated by people’s health, wealth and other socioeconomic and demographic factors, with more research needed to further define the link.
In this latest study, UK researchers examined data from just over 3,000 older adults taken from the 2018–19 wave of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA).
Along with recording consumption of fruits and vegetables, PUFAs, and fish, researchers also measured well-being in three ways:
- Eudemonic well-being (meaning, purpose, and personal growth)
- Hedonic well-being (happiness and positive emotions)
- Life satisfaction
Their findings showed that different foods affect well-being in distinct ways.
For instance, fruit and vegetable consumption was most strongly linked to eudemonic well-being, while fish intake was linked to happiness.
The link between PUFA intake and mood was less significant and inconsistent.
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The team found that generally, food had a part to play in boosting mood, but this link weakened when factoring in health, wealth, or mood.
The team concluded: “Diet may be associated with positive psychological well-being in middle-aged and older adults. Increasing dietary intake of fruit and vegetables, PUFAs, and fish could support well-being and may be encouraged through public or private initiatives aimed at making healthy diets accessible and affordable.
“Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the influence of diet on well-being over time.”
Read more in British Journal of Health Psychology
