the young adults’ (18-29) mood seemed to be dependent on food, such as meat, that increases availability of neurotransmitter precursors and concentrations in the brain.
On the other hand, adults over 30 seemed to be more reliant on foods rich in antioxidants (fruits and vegetables). More mature adults also benefited from avoiding “food that inappropriately activates the sympathetic nervous system (coffee, high glycemic index and skipping breakfast).”
Activating the sympathetic nervous system essentially triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, also known as the stress response.
“Another noteworthy finding is that young adult mood appears to be sensitive to the buildup of brain chemicals. Regular consumption of meat leads to the buildup of two brain chemicals (serotonin and dopamine) known to promote mood. Regular exercise leads to a buildup of these and other neurotransmitters as well,” says one of the lead researchers of the study. “In other words, young adults who ate meat (red or white) less than three times a week and exercised less than three times week showed a significant mental distress.”
Antioxidants help fight chronic inflammation, which accelerates aging and contributes to the development of many types of diseases. So eating antioxidant-packed foods, like fruits and vegetables, is important for everyone but even more important for adults over 30.
“With aging, there is an increase in