A study by researchers at the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research in Perth, Australia, has found that regular consumption of junk foods adversely affects the mental health of young people.
The study involved 1,600 Australians aged about 14, who are a part of the Raine Cohort Study being undertaken in the country. Lead researcher Dr. Wendy Oddy said that teenagers who ate more junk food, red meat, confectionary, soft drinks, white bread and unrefined cereals had emotional and behavior problems, while their counterparts who ate fresh fruits and vegetables did not have these issues.
Dr. Oddy added that more research into factors that influence mental health in young people must be undertaken in order to assess the dietary impact on mental health.
The details of the study are available in the international journal Preventive Medicine.