Associations Between Mediterranean Diet, Processed Food Consumption, and Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression: Cross-Sectional Study Among Israeli Adults.

INTRODUCTION

Mental health disorders, particularly anxiety and depression, contribute significantly to the global disease burden. Growing evidence suggests that dietary patterns play a crucial role in mental health outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

This cross-sectional study examines the associations between adherence to a Mediterranean diet, processed food consumption, and symptoms of anxiety and depression among Israeli adults. Additionally, it investigates whether sleep quality mediates these relationships.

METHODS

A total of 303 participants completed an online survey assessing demographic variables, health-related behaviors, dietary patterns, sleep quality and duration, and mental health indicators.

RESULTS

Pearson correlations revealed significant associations between dietary patterns and mental health symptoms. Higher Mediterranean diet adherence was associated with lower anxiety and depression scores, whereas greater processed food consumption was linked to increased psychological distress. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that dietary patterns significantly predicted anxiety and depression symptoms, even after controlling for demographic and health-related factors. However, sleep quality did not mediate these relationships, suggesting independent effects of diet and sleep on mental health.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the potential of dietary modifications as a complementary approach to mental health management, though generalizability is limited by our predominantly female, Jewish Israeli sample studied during a period of conflict. Integrating nutritional assessments into mental health care could enhance treatment strategies. Future research should explore longitudinal and interventional approaches to establish causal relationships between diet quality and mental health outcomes. This study highlights the clinical and public health relevance of dietary assessment in mental health evaluations and supports the development of integrated, nutrition-informed interventions to enhance psychological well-being.