Mediterranean diet found to reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety - 9News

New research has put more truth behind the recommendation that the Mediterranean diet is the way to go, especially for older Australians.

A study from the University of South Australia has found that the Mediterranean diet can reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.

Leading dietitian and researcher Dr Evangeline Mantzioris said the research "showed that when older people adhered to a Mediterranean diet, their symptoms of stress and anxiety declined."

Fish, fresh fruit and vegetables, and olive oil galore are part of the Mediterranean diet. (iStock)

"This occurred regardless of their age, gender, BMI or how much sleep and exercise they were getting," she said.

The so-called Mediterranean diet is made up of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains and seeds, legumes and olive oil.

Fish and seafood are recommended to be eaten at least twice per week, while smaller portions of dairy and lean protein can still be eaten daily.

Red meat, processed food and sugary drinks are unsurprisingly said to be eaten less often.

Olive oil can be a healthy, tasty addition to foods such as sandwiches and salads. (Getty via CNN)

In true Mediterranean style, wine can still be drunk in moderation, a Queensland Government fact sheet recommended last year.

The new research found that among a sample of 294 Australians aged over 60 following the diet experienced an improvement in the severity of their anxiety and stress levels.

That stress reduction was seen across the group, regardless of age, gender, sleep, and BMI.

Dr Mantzioris said that lifestyle was gaining more attention as a factor for mental health research.

"It's a big tick for the Mediterranean diet, through a relatively easy lifestyle change, people can markedly improve their stress and anxiety levels – who wouldn't want to give it a go."

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2024-05-15 02:03:03Z
CBMiiAFodHRwczovL3d3dy45bmV3cy5jb20uYXUvbmF0aW9uYWwvbWVkaXRlcnJhbmVhbi1kaWV0LWZvdW5kLXRvLXJlZHVjZS1zeW1wdG9tcy1vZi1zdHJlc3MtYW5kLWFueGlldHkvZjA2ZjMzMDItNTNkNi00YmE3LTk2YWMtZGE0NTZmMjYxMDY50gEA

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