Researchers from the Binghampton University in the US state that women may need a more nutrient-rich diet than men to maintain positive emotional well-being. The group conducted an anonymous survey of 563 participants through social media, and found that men are more likely to experience mental well-being until nutritional deficiencies arise. Women, however, are less likely to experience mental well-being unless a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are followed.
Published in journal Nutritional Neuroscience, the study may explain reports from previous studies that show women are at a greater risk for mental distress as compared to the opposite gender. Lina Begdace, assistant professor at Binghampton University said, “The biggest takeaway is that women may need a larger spectrum of nutrients to support mood, compared to men. 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.”
She added, “Today's diet is high in energy but poor in key nutrients that support brain anatomy and functionality.” She added that evidence suggested our ancestors' diet, which was a high-energy-nutrient-dense diet, contributed significantly to brain volumes and cognitive evolution of mankind. She said, “Males and females had different physical and emotional responsibilities that may have necessitated different energy requirements and food preference.”
The study said that gender-based differential food and energy intake may explain the differential brain volumes and connectivity between females and males.
