Studies conducted over the years have established the link between the gut and mental health, including one that shows an elevated mood when you consume a common dairy product.
What we eat is what we are, as neurologists agree what we consume can directly influence our brain’s functions. We told you about a superfood that can significantly improve your mental health. There’s another item you may want to include in your diet often to reduce anxiety and depression.
Yogurt is shown to elevate your mood
Research conducted by the team at the University of Virginia School of Medicine discovered that the bacterium Lactobacillus present in Yogurt can manage stress.
The study notes: “Oral supplement with many Lactobacillus species can ameliorate these effects, preventing depression- and anxiety-like behavior.”
The researchers used mice to observe the impact of certain microbiomes on mood and found that mice without Lactobacillus showed an increased level of stress.
Nutritionist Sas Parsad told Healthline that not just yogurts, but even fermented foods with Lactobacillus were linked to “stress management and potential prevention of depression and anxiety.”
Neuroscientist Dr. Bankole Johnson further explained that the microbiota can influence brain signaling, which suggests that “we really may be what we eat.”
It has more health benefits
Only a few days ago, the benefits of yogurt were in the news again when the FDA said the dairy item can make claims that it can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Even though this was the first-ever qualified claim by the federal agency, it was accompanied by a disclaimer that it “does not “meet the more rigorous ‘significant scientific agreement’ standard required for an authorized health claim.”
The claim, however, states that eating yogurt often, as much as 2 cups per week, may reduce the risk of diabetes.
“To ensure that these claims are not misleading, they must be accompanied by a disclaimer or other qualifying language to accurately communicate to consumers the level of scientific evidence supporting the claim,” the FDA said.
Among the proven health benefits of yogurt are its rich calcium content and several vital nutrients such as vitamin B12, phosphorous, magnesium, and potassium.
Yogurt is also rich in protein and probiotics present in it can largely benefit your digestive health.
