Functional Foods for Mental Health Management|Guires FRL

The Food Research Lab specialises in formulating functional ingredients and discusses how functional foods help manage mental health disorders.

1. An Academic presentation by
Dr. Nancy Agnes, Head, Technical Operations,
FoodResearchLab
Group: www.foodresearchlab.com
Email: [email protected]
HOW DO FUNCTIONAL
FOODS HELP IN THE
MANAGEMENT OF MENTAL
HEALTH DISORDERS?

2. INTRODUCTION
Mental health disorders are defined by the World
Health Organization (WHO) as "A cluster of
psychological, behavioural, and emotional
symptoms that interfere with an individual's ability
to function effectively in daily life.
International guidelines define mental health
disorders as conditions that cause significant
distress or impairment in one or more areas of a
person's life, including their thoughts, emotions,
behaviours, and relationships.
Contd...

3. It's worth noting that these disorders can manifest in different ways and
affect the mental health of people differently.
It is also possible for individuals to experience symptoms of multiple
disorders simultaneously [1].
Medication, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), exercise and rest can help
manage the symptoms of mental health disorders.
Recently, there has been a growing interest in the role of food in managing
mental health disorders.

4. Functional foods contain specific nutrients or bioactive compounds that
are believed to have health benefits beyond essential nutrition.
There is strong evidence that some functional foods can benefit mental
health.
Functional Food in Mental Health Disorders
Contd...

5. Omega-3 fatty acids help in the development of the Central Nervous
System(CNS).
They also help in neurotransmission.
Studies have shown that consuming omega-3-rich food like fatty fish,
fish oil capsules, walnuts, and flaxseed has been shown to affect mood
positively and might help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and
depression [2].
Omega-3-rich food:
Contd...

6. There has been an increasing body of research which suggests that there
is a strong association between gut health and mental health.

Alteration of the gut microbiome leads to inflammation, which is implicated
in the symptoms of mental health disorders.
Fermented food like yoghurt and kefir involves intentionally adding
beneficial microorganisms.
This helps modulate the pathways that cause anxiety and depression by
reducing inflammation in the body [3].
Fermented food:
Contd...

7. Dark chocolate has a significantly higher content of
flavonoids than white or milk chocolate.
They have anti-oxidant properties and reduce
inflammatory damage to cells, benefiting mental health.

In addition, it helps improve blood flow to the brain,
subsequently improving cognitive health [4].
Dark Chocolate:
Contd...

8. Turmeric is rich in curcumin, and studies have shown that
curcumin is a compound with anti-inflammatory properties
that may help reduce symptoms of depression.
Turmeric:
Contd...

10. Research suggests that including some functional and speciality food in the
diet may be an effective way to enhance general mental health and well-
being.
To fully comprehend the relationship between functional food and mental
health, more research is needed.
It is crucial to note that functional food should be considered a
complementary strategy that can be used with other interventions, not as a
substitute for expert mental health therapy.

11. CONCLUSION
A comprehensive treatment plan is required to manage mental health
disorders.
Functional food can be a valuable addition to the treatment.
Before consuming, it's crucial to get guidance from a licenced professional
to ensure there are no drug-food interactions or a decrease in the efficacy
of the medication.

12. HOW THE FOOD RESEARCH LAB CAN HELP
The Food Research Lab is a food license consultant that offers
nutraceutical formulation services using carefully sourced
ingredients.
The team of experts assist their clients at every step, from
obtaining an idea about consumer preferences via market research
to product formulation, testing and labelling, which ensures the
product meets the regulatory requirements, making it successful.

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