Jerusalem Post

ByWALLA! HEALTH

Healthy nutrition has long been known as an important tool for maintaining physical health, but a new comprehensive study conducted in the UK claims that it can also influence levels of happiness, life satisfaction, and overall sense of meaning – especially among people aged 50 and above.
The study, published in the British Journal of Health Psychology, analyzed data from over 3,000 adults in the UK and found that eating more fruits, vegetables, and fish – especially fatty fish – is linked to higher levels of “positive psychological well-being.”
The researchers relied on the British nutrition and health survey ELSA, which focused on people aged 50 and older. They examined the connection between diet and three areas of mental well-being:

Psychological well-being – sense of meaning, self-fulfillment, and personal growth.

Hedonic well-being – sense of joy and positive emotions.
Life satisfaction – a general measure of satisfaction with life.
They analyzed the intake of fish, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats (mainly omega-3), and compared it to mental health measures, while taking into account factors such as economic status, health condition, loneliness, and depression.

Eating fish (at least once a week) was found to be linked to higher levels of happiness – even after accounting for health condition and depression.
Consumption of fruits and vegetables was mainly linked to a sense of meaning and self-fulfillment – but this link weakened when depression and health issues were included.

Healthy fats (such as omega-3) showed a weak and inconsistent link to psychological well-being.
The meaning: Diet may affect happiness – but it is also possible that people who feel better tend to choose healthier eating habits. The connections are complex, and the researchers emphasize that no causality can be inferred from the study.
Even after adjustments for depression, the link between eating fish and happiness remained significant – strengthening the hypothesis that fish containing essential fatty acids (such as EPA and DHA) support serotonin and dopamine activity – brain chemicals that directly influence mood.

Limor Tal Pony, chief dietitian at Maccabi Healthcare Services, told Walla that the findings support what is already known from disease-preventive nutrition:
“Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to reducing inflammation and maintaining proper brain function – mechanisms that can also affect mood and mental resilience.
Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines provide omega-3, an essential component in building brain cell membranes and reducing inflammatory processes. Many studies link them to improved mood and reduced risk of depression.
Unsaturated fats (such as nuts, almonds, and olive oil) support vascular health, good blood flow to the brain, and stable energy throughout the day.”
 Practical recommendations for age 50+
1. Consume at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily in different colors, to ensure a variety of antioxidants.
2. Fatty fish twice a week.
3. Quality fat such as nuts, tahini, and olive oil instead of saturated fat.
4. Make dietary changes gradually, such as adding a green portion to an existing meal or replacing meat at lunch with fish.
“It’s worth remembering that a diet based on natural ingredients rich in omega-3, vitamins, and minerals is not only a tool for preventing chronic disease but also an investment in happiness and mental health. Even small and consistent changes after age 50 may improve the sense of meaning, energy, and joy of life,” she concludes.

If we told you that your diet affects levels of happiness, life satisfaction, and overall sense of meaning – wouldn’t you add it to your menu? Here are the results of a study on the subject.