Mediterranean Diet and Mental Health: 10 Proven Ways to Boost Your Wellbeing

10 Proven Ways the Mediterranean Lifestyle Can Boost Your Wellbeing

1. Delicious nutrient rich foods: The Mediterranean diet is based on whole, nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, fruit, and legumes (beans). These foods provide essential vitamins and minerals that support brain health and overall well-being. Check these dishes for ideas: 5 Good Mood Mediterranean Dishes
2. Good Fats, Not Bad: Olive oil is a star player here, and it’s loaded with good fats and antioxidants. Also, omega-3 fatty acids: eating fatty fish like sardines, anchovies and salmon helps your brain work better and may even make you less likely to feel down. Avoid vegetable and seed oils such as soy, sunflower, corn, cottonseed, safflower (not olive oil, olive is a fruit)oil, research has shown that they are pro-inflammatory and can cause damage to our brain among other things.
3. Antioxidants: Almost all the foods in the Mediterranean diet are high in antioxidants-from the fruits and vegetables to the herbal drinks and the olive oil. Antioxidants help fight against oxidative stress, which is linked to mental health issues such as depression and cognitive decline.
4. No Junk Food: Processed and junk foods contribute to inflammation and negatively affect mental health. By avoiding or reducing these foods, the diet supports overall health.
5. Eating together: The Mediterranean lifestyle is all about enjoying meals with friends and family. Those connections can keep you feeling happy and not lonely.
6. Get Moving: People living the Mediterranean way like to stay active. Exercise isn’t just good for your body; it boosts your mood too.
7. Chill Out: Taking it easy with relaxed meals and afternoon naps is an important part of the Mediterranean lifestyle. Less stress equals a happier you.
8. Good Vibes: Strong relationships with your loved ones are an important aspect of life in Mediterranean cultures. They can keep your mental health in check.
9. Avoiding Health Issues: By eating this way, you lower your risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. Managing these conditions can prevent complications that could negatively impact mental health later on.
10. Stay Sharp: Eating Mediterranean style might help you stay sharp in your older years; it been linked to better cognitive function and a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases in older adults and reducing the  of dementia.