Let’s look at the link between nutrition & mental health. Let’s call it food for thought! See what we did there 😉
Did you know?
Nearly two thirds of those who do not report daily mental health problems eat fresh fruit every day, compared with less than half of those who do report daily mental health problems!
Studies have also shown that when people take probiotics, their anxiety levels, perception of stress and mental outlook improve, compared with people who did not take probiotics.
Research also shows that people who eat more unhealthy and junk foods are at increased risk of depression.
Let’s look at the following food rules for good mental health.
To have the best shot at feeling good mentally and physically, follow these key rules when making food choices:
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Food from a farm is probably good for you; if it comes from a factory it probably isn’t.
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Does it rot? If it doesn’t, it’s unlikely to be good for you.
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Does it have a brand? If so, it’s unlikely to be good for you.
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Would your great-grandmother have recognised it as food? If not, it’s unlikely to be good for you.
What do you think about these ‘rules’?
If you’re ready to take action, here’s one nutrition change you can implement immediately to improve mental health outcomes:
Research has shown that countries with high rates of depression consume lower amounts of fish. Let’s look at some simple ways to add a few serves of fish to your diet each week:
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Salmon – steam with mixed herbs, bay leaf, lemon wedge and sliced red onion. Serve with a crunchy salad and boiled potatoes.
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Trevalla – place your grilled fish on a wholegrain bun, complete with salad.
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Flathead – steam with ginger, garlic, shallots and a little sesame oil.
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Sardines – mash in a bowl with a little vinegar, serve on toast with sliced tomato and cracked pepper.
Are you keen to learn more? Could your workforce benefit from education around how they can prevent poor mental health? (tip: EVERYONE can be healthier, mentally)
Research tell us that mental health conditions present substantial costs to organisations. However, through the successful implementation of an effective action to create a mentally healthy workplace, organisations, on average, can expect a positive return on investment (ROI) of 2.3. That is, for every dollar spent on successfully implementing an appropriate action, there is on average $2.30 in benefits to be gained by the organisation.
How can we best help you? Speak with us about your unique needs and challenges, and what you’d like to achieve. We’d love to help you make a difference to your organisation.