Older adults who follow a Mediterranean diet experience higher levels of positive psychological well-being. A new study suggests this eating pattern even provided an emotional buffer against the stress of the early COVID-19 pandemic.
Eating a diet rich in plants, fish, and olive oil tends to be associated with better mental health and emotional resilience in older adults. A recent study published in the
Source and reference
journal BMJ Open suggests that following a Mediterranean style of eating provides a protective buffer for psychological well-being, even during periods of widespread societal stress like the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings provide evidence that nutrition plays an important role in helping aging populations maintain a positive outlook on life. The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating based on the traditional foods of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. This eating pattern focuses heavily on plant based foods like vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, and whole grains, while relying on fish and extra virgin olive oil as primary sources of fat. It generally limits the intake of red meat, dairy products, and processed sweets. Extensive research links this specific combination of foods to better physical health, including a lower risk of heart disease and clinical depression. While...
Read original source- Published
- Jul 11, 2026
- Updated
- Jul 11, 2026
- Source
- Psypost - Psychology News
- Category
- Health
- Read time
- 6 min
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