Diet plays a key role in people’s well-being, however, sometimes it is difficult to tell the accurate effects of diet on health.

While many people believe that a full vegetarian diet is healthy, it may not be the case.

A recent study analysed how dietary patterns affected a number of areas of brain health, including mental health, cognitive function, metabolic biomarkers, and brain structure as measured using MRI.

Researchers found that those who followed a balanced diet were likely to have better mental health and cognitive functioning in their analysis of almost 182,000 participants.

Genetic differences that may have influenced the outcomes among different dietary groups were also noted by them.

The study indicates the importance of making wise nutritional choices to improve brain function and mental health outcomes, as research goes on in this area.

Isabel M Vazquez, a registered dietitian at Memorial Hermann Health System, who was not involved in the recent study, said: “We know that diet plays a significant role in brain health. Research suggests that diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can support cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.”

“Conversely, diets high in processed foods, saturated fats, and sugars may have negative effects on the brain.”