Women need more nutrient-rich diet for their emotional well-being as compared to men: Study

New Delhi | Jagran Lifestyle Desk: A recent study in the US has suggested that women require more nutrient-rich diet for their emotional well-being as compared to men.

Evidence suggests that there are differences in anatomical structure and function among men and women brain that creates a possibility of mental disease. But, only a little is known about the dietary patterns.

A team of researchers led by Lina Begdache, professor of health and wellness studies at Binghamton University, conducted a survey on 563 participants through social media.

The study found that men are more likely to experience mental well being until nutritional deficiencies arise. Women, on the other hand, are less likely to experience mental well-being unless and until they follow a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

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The study was published in the journal 'Nutritional Neuroscience.'

According to Begdache, these results may explain reports from previous studies that show that women are at a greater risk for mental distress when compared to men, and emphasise the role of a nutrient-dense diet in mental wellbeing.

"The biggest takeaway is that women may need a larger spectrum of nutrients to support mood, compared to men," said Begdache.

"These findings may explain the reason why women are twice more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and depression and suffer from longer episodes, compared to men. Today's diet is high in energy but poor in key nutrients that support brain anatomy and functionality," she added.

"Males and females had different physical and emotional responsibilities that may have necessitated different energy requirements and food preference," she said.

"Gender-based differential food and energy intake may explain the differential brain volumes and connectivity between females and males. Therefore, a potential mismatch is happening between our contemporary diet and the evolved human brain which is disturbing the normal functionality of certain systems in the brain," she added.