Worn out, lacking strength and a little down in the dumps?
Olive oil may be a better remedy than coffee and chocolate, according to science.
Word from European Neuropsychopharmacology - the official publication of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) - reiterated how certain foods affect mental health and well-being, recalling "evidence of a close link between an unbalanced diet and worsening mood disorders."
The study was led by Suzanne Dickson from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden and states that ‘the Mediterranean diet’ quotes an article in Italy's Corriere della Sera, "rich in vegetables and extra virgin olive oil, for example, reduces the risk of anxiety and depression.”
The virtues of olive oil are doubtless, especially when combined with fresh vegetables and dried fruits. A few drops of olive oil will help ‘console yourself’ when feeling a little down or amid mood swings. The Italian Society of Endocrinology confirms that there is plenty of evidence that olive oil ‘is purifying, anti-inflammatory, and that it thins the blood and thus makes us more lucid, awake and active."
Resorting to chocolate and snacks only provides a fleeting moment of euphoria destined to fade quickly, while a handful of walnuts or almonds with natural olive can lead to "a more stable mood in the long run."
To further confirm this fact, according to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, is a recent Australian research, conducted on nearly nine thousand people, which showed that those who consume a lot of fruits and vegetables with natural, and high-quality olive oil, are "less stressed" and have "a better mood."
Interesting facts that come particularly handy in September, as we all return to our hectic lives and are in urgent need to regain energy and focus.
European olive oil is a healthy ingredient recommended by the scientific community for its genuine virtues: its fruity and delicious aromas are no match compared to the ephemeral pleasure of a chocolate bar.
Sources:
https://www.labmanager.com/news/how-diet-affects-mental-health-what-s-the-evidence-21522
19 September 2022
