Food does not have an impact on your mood or mental health

Question

An article written by Mass General Brigham, there are explanations on how the foods we eat directly influence our mood, energy levels, and overall mental well-being. It highlights the connection between nutrition and brain function, noting that diets rich in whole food, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, support more stable moods. Highly processed foods and those high in sugar can lead to mood swings, fatigue, and increased feelings of stress.

A main focus of the article is the gut–brain connection. The author describes how the gut microbiome produces things like serotonin, which play a major role in regulating mood. When someone eats nutritious foods, they help maintain a healthy gut environment, which can support an individuals emotions. Poor diet choices, however, can upset the gut microbiome and contribute to symptoms of anxiety or depression.

The article also offers individuals information and helps them in choosing foods that help improve mood. It encourages including healthier foods such as omega-3 rich foods like fatty fish, eating high-fiber foods to support gut health, and limiting added sugars. It concludes that while food is not a replacement for mental health treatment, eating more balanced, whole-food-based meals can contribute and help improve an individual's mental health.

Answer 1

The claim suggests that food does not have an impact on your mood or mental health, but this medical research claims exactly the opposite, proving to us that this claim is inaccurate.  Even from the beginning, we can acknowledge that the publisher used as a source one of the major integrated healthcare institutions, Mass General Brigham, that is affiliated with Harvard Medical School. On the other hand, the article is written in contribution of Andrew T. Chan, MD, MPH. After research, he was part of Harvard University, having the title of gastroenterologist. The article was published one year ago, on 11th August 2025, which means it is still current and connected with today's relevant current discussions about health, nutrition, and mental health. When it comes to the comparisons with other websites, the information is the same one. Exemples as Harvard Health Publishing take the same claim: that diets and the way that we are eating can be a big part of how our brain functions and how we feel, " Eating high-quality foods that contain lots of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants nourishes the brain and protects it from oxidative stress ". (pr.2) This supports the idea that food is one of the main factors that can influence how we feel and how our body, especially our brain functions. Besides that, went it comes to the information presented in the article, it doesn't seem to be exaggerated, out of context, or repetitive. Information as the biological mechanisms of our body that include blood reactions, inflammation, or the gut-brain connection is one of the big points of the article. Each idea is supported by the affirmations of Andrew T. Chan or other research, made by authorized medical departments or organizations. 

In conclusion, the main claim that "Food does not have an impact on mood or mental health" is false. 

Eva Selhub, Harvard Health Publishing , 18th sept 2022, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-psychiatry-your-brain-on-food-201511168626