Forkfuls of Clarity: The Lean Protein Prescription

New research led by Dr Nathaniel R. Johnson of UND and his mentors at NDSU, Drs Julie Garden-Robinson and Sherri Stastny, reveals a strong link between protein type and mental health in older adults. Analysing data from 637 North Dakotans aged 50+, the study found that self-reported average meal patterns that included lean proteins, like chicken, fish, eggs, and legumes, were associated with fewer days of depression and anxiety. In contrast, processed meats such as bacon and deli slices correlated with increased mental distress, especially in rural communities. These findings suggest that protein quality may significantly influence emotional well-being in later life, offering a simple, everyday strategy to support mental health, one nourishing meal at a time.