"The Connection Between Food Preferences and Brain Health: The Superiority of a Balanced Diet"

Food preferences are shaped by genetics, culture, and personal experiences, and play a significant role in shaping dietary habits. A preference for highly palatable but unhealthy foods has contributed to a global increase in obesity, which is linked to a higher risk of physical and mental health conditions. A study of 181,990 participants found that those with a balanced diet had better brain health, cognitive function, and mental health compared to those with low-carb, vegetarian, or high protein/low fiber diets. The Mediterranean and Mind diets, which promote a balanced mix of foods, have been shown to improve brain health and cognition. Genes may partly determine food preferences, which in turn affect brain function, but establishing healthy food preferences and an active lifestyle early in life is vital. Social support, cognitive behavioral therapy, and distraction techniques can help encourage adherence to healthy eating habits, and affordable healthy eating options should be prioritized by governments.