Nutrition and mental well-being: Revealing the impact of fatty foods on vascular health after episodes of stress

Eating Habits play a decisive role in people’s quality of life as they directly influence Physical health And mental. In this context, recent research has revealed how foods rich in fat can affect the ability of our blood vessels to recover from stressful situations.

This study published in Dietary boundaries had an established methodology that included a rigorous experimental design in which 21 healthy participants consumed a high-fat (56.5 g) or low-fat (11.4 g) diet and were then exposed to a high-stress task. cognitive stress.

Researchers from The University of Birmingham carried out key measurements before and after meals. and parameters such as plasma triglyceride concentrations, forearm blood flow, blood pressure, and cardiovascular activity were monitored. In addition, it was appreciated endothelial function (regulation of systemic blood flow) immediately before, as well as 30 and 90 minutes after experiencing mental stress.

Experimenting stress, People usually show changes in their body such as dilation of blood vessels far from heart (peripheral vasodilation) or increased blood pressure. These changes were the same regardless of the type of food they ate.

However, half an hour after the stress, the ability of the arteries to dilate (an indicator of good vascular health, known as “foot and mouth disease”) decreased in both groups.

However, 90 minutes after the stress had passed, the decrease in the ability of arteries to dilate remained only in those who ate food with a lot of fat.

So, according to the researchers, this indicates that fats in food may interfere with the normal process of bone repair. blood vessel after stressful situations. According to the authors, the implications of these findings are important and may inform future nutritional recommendations as they focus on protecting the vascular system under conditions of high stress, a condition that is increasingly common in modern society.

Understanding these mechanisms is vital for developing prevention strategies and improving dietary interventions aimed at cardiovascular health long-term.

Investigation published in the magazine Journal “Health and Quality of Life” Following a balanced or Mediterranean diet has been shown to be associated with better quality of life related to cardiovascular health (HRQoL), both in physical and mental aspects.

In contrast, diets considered unhealthy or Western are associated with worse HRQoL scores. Although the authors note that more research is needed on this topic.

Likewise, a meta-analysis of studies published in the journal Psychiatric research indicates that following a healthy diet may be associated with a reduced risk of depression, whereas a Western diet may be associated with an increased risk. The researchers note that these results support the theory that Eating Habits They play an important role in both the prevention and treatment of depression.

Similarly, a study published in the journal Hospital food took 1055 university students as a sample and concluded that the patterns unhealthy food are associated with high levels of anxiety, stress and depression among this population.

For this reason, the authors of this study noted that it is necessary to implement educational programs that encourage consumption reduction harmful products in this group can improve their psychological well-being.

World Health Organization (WHO) advises a balanced and periodic diet to improve well-being. The organization believes that adequate hydration and frequent consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables are critical.

She also recommends establishing a daily routine that includes meal times, time with family, homework, and leisure time to manage stress. It also points out that getting enough rest is valuable, as you should try to get enough sleep and maintain habits such as going to bed and waking up at the same time.

WHO notes that it is essential to support social relations, engage in physical activity regularly and limiting access to news are also recommended prevention methods stress.