Date of Award

Summer 8-24-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Food Science

First Advisor

Simone Camel

Abstract

The Mediterranean Diet has garnered increasing popularity due to its multifaceted health benefits. The MedDiet enhances well-being across all age groups, emphasizing high consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, olive oil, and whole grains and moderate fish, poultry, and dairy intake. Recent research underscores the significant impact of Mediterranean diet adherence on college students' physical and mental health. The diet's emphasis on nutrient-dense foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants supports cognitive function, which is pivotal for academic performance. Moreover, the abundant presence of healthy fats, particularly from olive oil and fatty fish, may contribute to improved mood regulation, potentially alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression commonly experienced by college students. This study aimed to explore the dietary habits of college students and their adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, investigating its potential correlations with academic performance, cognitive function, and mental health outcomes. While previous research has highlighted the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet in various populations, including adults and elderly individuals, its specific impact on college students remains underexplored. Given this demographics’ unique stressors and lifestyle challenges, understanding how dietary choices influence their physical and mental well-being is crucial. The rationale for this study stems from the growing concern over the nutritional status and mental health of college students, who often experience high levels of stress and academic pressure. Poor dietary habits during this critical developmental stage may compromise immediate health and impact long-term outcomes. The Mediterranean Diet offers a promising framework for promoting health among college students, as its components support physiological functions essential for learning, memory retention, and emotional regulation. Furthermore, the Mediterranean Diet aligns with current nutritional guidelines that emphasize the consumption of whole, minimally processed foods over highly processed alternatives. By focusing on natural sources of nutrients and antioxidants, this dietary approach may mitigate the detrimental effects of poor nutrition commonly observed in young adults, including inadequate micronutrient intake and imbalanced fatty acid profiles. The primary objectives of this study include assessing the prevalence of Mediterranean Diet adherence among college students, identifying factors influencing dietary choices within this population, and examining associations between diet quality and academic performance. Methodologically, the study employs a cross-sectional survey design to collect dietary data and academic metrics from a diverse sample of college students across multiple campuses. The lack of culinary knowledge and the skills necessary for meal prep have emerged as significant barriers, emphasizing the need for educational interventions to equip students with the tools to make healthier dietary choices. This study highlights the significant role of cooking skills and confidence in shaping dietary habits among college students. Older students, who are more confident in their cooking abilities, tend to have higher KIDMED scores and cook more frequently, leading to better adherence to the MedDiet principles. Additionally, Barr et al. (2020) noted that 83% of participants perceived healthier diets due to cooking classes, underscoring the importance of culinary education in fostering more nutritious eating habits. Ultimately, combining cooking skills and cooking frequency directly correlates with dietary choices and nutritional intake, which is pivotal in determining long-term health outcomes and aging trajectories. From the results of this study, participants with greater confidence in their cooking skills had higher KIDMED scores. Participants with greater confidence in their cooking skills cooked more often, which correlated with higher KIDMED scores. Older college students typically have more experience with independent living, including cooking and meal preparation, enhancing their confidence in cooking skills. With more years spent in college, these students often develop better time management skills, allowing them to allocate time for preparing balanced and nutritious meals. Furthermore, they are more likely to have increased awareness and understanding of the importance of healthy eating habits due to prolonged exposure to health education and resources available on campus. The study found that participants who cooked more frequently had higher KIDMED scores. Frequent cooking is associated with greater control over food choices, portion sizes, and ingredient quality. Individuals who regularly prepare their meals are more likely to incorporate fresh, wholesome ingredients aligned with MedDiet guidelines, improving dietary adherence. This finding is supported by Bernardo et al. (2021), who identified characteristics such as high knowledge of nutrition and the importance placed on a healthy diet as predictors of increased vegetable consumption. Although our study noted some discrepancies, the overall trend suggests that cooking at home plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy diet. In conclusion, promoting the adoption of MedDiet principles among college-age students holds significant promise for enhancing their health and well-being. Research suggests that such dietary practices improve cognitive function, aid in weight management, and contribute to better mental health outcomes. However, future studies should consider the limitations identified, such as sample size variability and potential biases in self-reported data, to refine our understanding and ensure broader applicability across diverse student populations. By incorporating MedDiet principles into their daily routines, college students can establish healthy habits that support academic success and long-term well-being, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and sustained research in this crucial area of public health.

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