It is not a new discovery that the food we eat has an effect on our health and emotional state. Professor Felice Jacka, director of Deakin University’s Food and Mood Centre, and her team conducted the SMILES trial, a 12 week study that monitored patients with mental illness and aimed to improve their depressive episodes by making dietary changes. Professor Jacka has led an inventive program of research that studies how individuals’ diets and behaviours can potentially lead to mental health problems (1). The results of the trial stated that participants in the dietary intervention group experienced less depressive symptoms than participants in the social support group (2). According to research, following a Mediterranean diet reduces both the risk of both depression and chronic disease (3). The results of a meta-analysis revealed that the Mediterranean diet was more effective for weight loss than a low-fat diet for patients with cardiovascular risks who wanted to make a lifestyle change (4). The Mediterranean diet consists of eating primarily vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and protein, such as fish. The results of the ‘SMILES’ randomised controlled trial, (5) as well as observational evidence across different countries, age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds, indicated that diet quality can be either a risk or protective factor for depression.

Another person who is renowned for researching the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet is Dr Catherine Itsiopoulos. Dr Itsiopoulos is a leader in dietetics and has international standing as a leader in Mediterranean diet research. In addition to her involvement in the ‘SMILES’ trial, Dr Itsiopoulos’ randomised controlled clinical intervention studies in diabetes, cardiovascular disease and the metabolic syndrome suggest the Mediterranean diet is a model of preventive and therapeutic intervention. Her research suggests that eating these foods ensures longevity and a healthy weight. Dr Itsiopoulos argued that many people stop trying to lose weight, but this tasty diet ensures a variety of nutritional content to keep people inspired to continue eating well. Adhering to a traditional Mediterranean diet is believed to have cardioprotective effects (6).  Research indicated that a traditional Mediterranean diet is good for the heart, and protected it from Coronary heart disease (CHD) (6). In all trials and analyses of the Mediterranean diet, it was proven to decrease morbidity and mortality. Dr Itsiopoulos states, “The Mediterranean diet is the most respected, well-researched and most-often prescribed diet in the world. Its positive health effects have been scientifically tested and proven for more than 60 years and the results are incontrovertible.”

Julia Rucklidge, Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, has published multiple peer reviewed articles on the role of micronutrients in relation to psychiatric symptom reduction. Rucklidge’s research (7) found that micronutrients were twice as effective as a placebo in treating ADHD in adults. However, it was  an open trial that only provided preliminary evidence. Professor Rucklidge gave a TEDx talk that described her study. She explained the role of nutrition in mental health, specifically, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, anxiety, stress and PTSD associated with the Canterbury earthquakes. Professor Rucklidge’s research provided insight into the correlation between diet and mental health.

In conclusion, whilst this research is still in its preliminary stages, the results suggest that dietary improvements, in particular, the Mediterranean diet, could be a potential treatment to mental disorders and prevention to chronic diseases. Let’s just hope these interventions are scaled in order to give us the potential to confirm the effects and treatment responses. In the meantime, why don’t you try a Mediterranean-style diet? It’s not just for those living on a remote Greek island. It is a delicious and healthy way to eat for everyone.