Study links fiber-rich diet to better mental health

Eating a more fiber-rich diet may support mental wellbeing and overall health, according to an Australian-led study that found higher dietary fiber intake was associated with fewer depressive symptoms, El.kz citesXinhua.

Researchers led by Australia's Adelaide University analyzed more than 12,000 responses from the American National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey collected between 2017 and 2020, and 2021 and 2023, according to a university statement released on Tuesday.

The study, published in Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, found that consuming more fiber-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, could help reduce depressive symptoms.

"Finding simple and affordable ways to support mental health is important, and diet may be one of the factors that can help improve wellbeing," said lead researcher Engida Yisma from the School of Public Health at Adelaide University.

The findings showed that for every additional five grams of energy-adjusted dietary fiber consumed, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 14 percent lower.

The researchers also found the association varied between men and women, which they said was "consistent with the established gender disparities in depression, where women demonstrate higher lifetime prevalence and greater inflammatory sensitivity."