Researchers looked at data from many different studies involving people of all ages. They found that people who ate more plants and fewer processed foods had lower risks for several serious health problems. Specifically, those who followed this healthy eating pattern were about twenty-four percent less likely to develop depression and about eighteen percent less likely to feel anxious.
The same healthy diet was also connected to a lower chance of having a stroke. For dementia, the link was weaker but still showed a trend toward better brain health. However, the study did not find a clear connection between this diet and overall memory or thinking skills.
Experts warn that the evidence is not very strong yet. Because most studies just watched people over time, we cannot be sure the diet caused the better health. Larger, longer studies are needed to confirm these findings and help doctors give better advice.