Changes in diet over the past 60 years linked to increased mental illness

CHANGES in diet caused by new food production methods have led to a sharp increase in mental problems, according to a new study.

In a report published yesterday, the Mental Health Foundation in Britain has linked changes in the diet over the past 60 years to increased mental health problems such as depression, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers said dependence on processed food, ready meals and takeaways which are heavy in pesticides, additives and harmful trans fats, could be damaging our mental health. The report, Feeding Minds: The Impact of Food on Mental Health, argues that what we eat plays an important role in maintaining our mental health and a diet lacking in fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, pulses or nuts deprives the brain of essential vitamins and nutrients.

Researchers questioned 2,122 people aged 15 and over across Britain about their eating habits and experience of mental health problems and found only 29% of 15 to 24-year-olds ate a meal made from scratch every day, compared with 50% of those aged over 65.

The research also showed that a high proportion of young people are eating insufficient amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables, opting instead for foods high in trans fats and sugar such as ready meals and takeaways.

Depression worldwide has increased dramatically in recent decades, with more cases being reported in children, adolescents and young adults.

Over the past 60 years, there has been a significant decline in the consumption of fruit and vegetables, and an equally big fall-off in the consumption of fish. However, the amount of pesticides and additives in food has risen sharply over the same period.

The report claims this has not only reduced the amounts of essential fats, vitamins and minerals consumed, but has also disturbed the balance of nutrients in the foods.

The report asserts that nutrients can improve mental health, and dietary changes may hold the key to combating specific illnesses including depression, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and Alzheimer’s disease. The increasing incidence of mental ill health echoes changes in food production. The last 50 years have witnessed major changes to the way food is produced and manufactured. The proliferation of industrialised farming has introduced higher levels and different types of fat into our diet.