Mental health 'affected by diet'

[Pa-uul]

Author: ITN

Date: 16 January 2006.

Source: http://www.channel4.com/news/content/news-...e.jsp?id=572049

Copyright: YES

 

Mental health 'affected by diet'

 

Last Modified: 16 Jan 2006

Source: ITN

 

Changes to our diets over the last 50 years could be linked to the UK's rising mental health problems, a new report reveals.

 

Growing scientific evidence has emerged in recent years linking the type of food people eat to mood and behaviour.

 

The Mental Health Foundation (MHF) and Sustain, which campaigns for better food and farming, says that food can have an immediate and lasting effect on a person's mental health and behaviour because of the way it affects brain function and structure.

 

The Feeding Minds report says that changes in the way food is produced and manufactured have not only reduced amounts of essential fats, vitamins and minerals which are consumed, but have also disturbed the balance of nutrients in foods.

 

Research suggests that this unequal intake, combined with a lack of vitamins and minerals, is linked with depression and concentration and memory problems.

 

The MHF and Sustain said that new substances such as pesticides, additives and trans-fats have been introduced into diets which could, alone and in combination, prevent the brain from functioning effectively.

 

As a result the organisations are launching a campaign to raise awareness of the links between diet and mental health.

 

They are urging the Government to increase financial and political support for measures to ensure people have access to affordable and attractive nutrient-rich foods.

 

Depression? Concentration and memory problems? That sounds like the Australian government websites description on what cannabis does to me. You mean it's the the KFC I'm eating and not the pot I'm smoking? Wow. Good one govt. What are you going to do now, ban KFC?

[Gush]

Phenylalanine in large amounts has been linked to ADD/HD, and yet it is being added to more and more foods. :angry: