The Mediterranean diet may offer more than just physical health benefits. A new study suggests it could also help preserve psychological well-being in adults aged over 50, even during periods of intense stress.
The research, conducted by University College London and the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) and published in the journal BMJ Open, found that people who adhered more closely to the Mediterranean diet reported higher levels of psychological well-being.
The Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish and olive oil, has long been associated with reduced risk of chronic disease and depression. The latest study expands on previous findings by examining its relationship with broader aspects of mental well-being, including autonomy, purpose in life, enjoyment and optimism.
Study tracked adults before and during the pandemic
The researchers analyzed data from 3,296 adults aged between 50 and 90 who participated in the long-running English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA).
Participants recorded their food intake over two non-consecutive days during 2018 and 2019 using an online platform. Their psychological well-being was assessed through questionnaires completed up to twice between 2018 and 2020, allowing researchers to compare results before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While psychological well-being declined overall during the pandemic and the restrictions associated with it, the decrease was less pronounced among participants who more closely followed the Mediterranean diet. According to the researchers, this suggests the diet may have a protective effect during times of significant stress.
Findings should be interpreted with caution
The study’s authors stressed that the research is observational and does not establish a cause-and-effect relationship.
Camille Lassale, a researcher at ISGlobal and senior author of the study, noted that following participants through the pandemic provided valuable long-term insights into changes in psychological well-being.
Although the biological mechanisms are still being investigated, the researchers said existing evidence suggests that key components of the Mediterranean diet may help regulate processes linked to stress response, inflammation, gut health and brain function, all of which may contribute to improved mental well-being.
