How food affects your mood

According to new research, your mood depends on the food you eat, and what you should eat changes as you get older. 

As we age, our dietary preferences evolve according to our lifestyle and variety of other factors. When comparing dietary practices in young adults (18-29) compared to older adults (30 years+), the New York study revealed how this differentially influences mental health. Let’s have a look at the details...

Interestingly, mood in young adults appears to be influenced by meat consumption and exercise. Both eating meat and exercise were shown to increase mood-boosting chemicals seratonin and dopamine in the brain.  

Need a little exercise motivation? Check out our top tips for summer workouts here!

In mature adults, however, things are a little more complicated. As we get older, the level of oxidants in our body increases, which can lead to a higher risk of mental distress. So it's simple! We need antioxidants, and we all know the best source... Fruit! Alongside this, it appears mature adults should avoid food that inappropriately activates our ‘Stress Response’ such as coffee and sugary foods.

In need of some inspiration? Click here for some creative ways to get your 5-a-day!