A vegetarian diet may boost mood and cognitive function, according to a study by the School of Medical Sciences, University of Hyderabad. Researchers found that vegetarians in Telangana reported significantly better mood, lower levels of depression and anxiety, and enhanced cognitive abilities compared to non-vegetarians.
Dr. Varalakshmi Manchana with her PhD scholar, Ms Keotshepile Precio us Bojang published the research findings of their article, “Impact of vegetarianism on cognition and neuropsychological status among urban community dwelling adults in Telangana, South India: in European Journal of Nutrition. The study highlights vegetarian diet as a viable strategy for promoting cognitive health and emotional well-being.
Dr. Varalakshmi Manchana
The results from the assessment of cognitive function also prove that vegetarians have better cognitive functions in terms of orientation, registration, attention, recall, language, and visual–spatial skills. Further, vegetarians in the study had a higher intake of protein, calcium, folate, and Vitamin C but a lower intake of Vitamin B12 compared to non-vegetarians. On the other hand, non-vegetarians consumed more carbohydrates, sodium, riboflavin, iron, and Vitamin B12.
“The higher intake of protein among vegetarians suggests a potential positive impact on mental health, as adequate protein is vital for overall brain function. Calcium is also essential for various neurological functions, including neurotransmitter release and nerve transmission,” the study found.
The study makes a substantial contribution to the field of nutritional psychiatry by demonstrating a correlation between long-term vegetarian diet and a decreased prevalence of depression, as per the findings of the current study from South Indian population. The research’s distinctive cultural and geographical focus allows the exploration of a previously under-investigated domain, offering novel insights into the complex interplay between dietary patterns, mental health, and cognitive function. By providing empirical evidence from a specific population, the study enriches the broader discourse on vegetarianism and its potential cognitive benefits, thereby stimulating further research in nutritional neuroscience and psychiatryas well as informing public health strategies focusing on the role of nutrition on brain &mental health.
Research article link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00394-024-03328-8