HOW PROCESSED FOOD HARMS YOUR MOOD

Mental health problems are on the rise. Yet there is growing evidence that the food we eat may be a vital ingredient to help us feel better

- KIMBERLEY WILSON

The debate on the impact of food on health is something of a contact sport. Food is so deeply imbued with personal and cultural meaning that it can be difficult to remain objective. Food is complex, and increasingly so. While a little over 60 years ago you might have been able to choose from a glass of orange juice, orange cordial or orange soda, you can now also opt for an orange-flavoured energy drink, orange-f lavoured vitamin water, orange-favoured protein water, orange-flavoured water with added magnesium…

Modern food processing has certainly given us more options, but what do we know about the impact of these processed foods on our mental health?