A 'Balanced' Diet Is Better Than A Vegetarian One In Supporting Brain Health

Dietary patterns and food choices impact brain function, but the specific relationship between food and the brain is complex. Researchers are interested in finding out what diets optimize brain functioning and health. One study examined four dietary patterns and found that a balanced diet containing several food types saw the most overall benefit in brain health.

How Diet Can Impact Brain Function, Mental Health

People can develop preferences for certain foods, which can impact overall dietary patterns over time. Some research supports the notion that certain diets and food choices are better for mental well-being. In contrast, others may contribute to poor mental health.

For the current study, researchers focused on four main dietary patterns by looking at participants’ food preferences:

Starch-free or reduced starch — this group preferred fruits, vegetables, and protein but showed a lower preference for starchy foods like bread or pasta

High-protein and low-fiber — this group preferred snacks and protein foods and had a lower preference for fruits and vegetables

Balanced diet — this group showed similar preferences in all food groups.

Vegetarian — this group preferred fruits and vegetables but showed a lower protein preference

The connection between diet and the brain

The researchers who conducted the current study lo,l,oked at data from the UK Biobank, focusing on food-preference data. Researchers asked about food preferences in several categories, including dairy, fruits, flavorings, alcohol, meat, snacks, starches, and vegetables.

People in the balanced dietary group also had higher levels of gray matter in certain areas of the brain compared to the high-protein, low-fiber group.

The study found that the balanced dietary subtype saw the most benefit of all four groups — those in the balanced dietary subtype had lower scores for most mental health measurements and higher scores for well-being.

A balanced diet is best for brain health

This study found that a ‘healthier’ diet with balanced preferences in various food categories — fruit, vegetables, starches, protein, and snack foods were noted — is associated with better mental health status, higher levels of cognitive functions and fewer risks of mental disorders,”

World Autism Awareness Day 2024: Nutrition Tips For Children With Autism To Boost Their Well-Being