Originally published February 12 2006
Study claims diets dominated by processed foods can contribute to mental problems
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
In the UK, the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) and food campaign group Sustain have released a report called "Feeding Minds" that links mental health problems to diets high in saturated fat and sugar.
We now eat just over a third less vegetables and 59 per cent less fish which is the main source of omega 3 - essential for brain function.
New substances such as pesticides, additives and trans-fats have also been introduced into our diets which could prevent the brain from functioning effectively.
The report changes in the way food is produced and manufactured have not only reduced amounts of essential fats, vitamins and minerals which are consumed, but have also disturbed the balance of nutrients in foods.
It suggests that this combination of factors has been linked with depression and concentration and memory problems.
The MHF and Sustain said that nutrients could help improve the mental health of the nation and that dietary changes may hold the key to combating problems such as depression, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Alzheimer's disease.
Dr Andrew McCulloch, MHF chief executive, said: "We are well aware of the effect of diet upon our physical health, but we are only just beginning to understand how the brain, as an organ, is influenced by the nutrients it derives from the foods we eat, and how our diets have an impact on our mental health.
"Our Government cannot ignore the growing burden of mental ill- health in the UK and must look to nutrition as an option in helping people to manage their mental health problems."
Courtney Van de Weyer, researcher on the Feeding Minds campaign from Sustain, said: "The good news is that the diet for a healthy mind is the same as the diet for a health body.
"The bad news is that, unless there is a radical overhaul of food and farming policies - particularly on fish - there won't be healthy and nutritious foods available in the future for people to eat."
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