Dr. Irina Lebedeva, a specialist in neurological functions, stated that people who frequently consume tomatoes, green peppers, and soybeans are less likely to experience stress.
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According to her, this is because these foods are rich in complex fiber, which is especially favored by beneficial gut bacteria.
She explained: “All of these foods contain fiber—especially complex fiber like cellulose, which serves as the ideal food for beneficial gut bacteria such as the genus Lachnospira. When these bacteria process dietary fiber, they produce what are known as short-chain fatty acids. These acids play a key role in the interaction between the central nervous system and the gut microbiome. They also help reduce inflammation, which in turn affects the brain. In fact, inflammation has been proven to play a role in various conditions, whether physical or psychological.”
She added that the lower the inflammation and the more diverse the gut microbiome, the lower the risk of depression and the higher the body’s resistance to stress.
For her part, Dr. Natalia Yefimochkina emphasized that fermented soybeans, tomatoes, and green peppers are beneficial in and of themselves, and they can positively affect mental health not only because they nourish gut bacteria.
“These foods are a source of vitamin C, lycopene—which is a powerful antioxidant—and serotonin, which is often referred to as the 'happiness hormone',” she said.
According to her, mental health is closely linked to gut health, which is why it’s essential to follow a diverse diet rich in vegetables and fruits to increase the number and variety of beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli.
Source: Vesti.ru
