New recipe website for healthy minds

18 December 2008

The Mental Health Foundation, the UK’s leading mental health research charity, and MyDish.co.uk today launched a new recipe website for those interested in knowing more about the links between healthy eating and a healthy mind.

The new website (http://mentalhealthfoundation.mydish.co.uk) explains what foods are good for the brain and shows how to eat healthily on a budget. The site also allows members to share tips and swap recipes – and reveals why sitting down for a meal with good company can be positive for your mental health.

It is hoped the new website will be particularly helpful for people experiencing common mental health problems including depression and anxiety - and suggests how diet changes can help improve mood.

Celia Richardson, Campaigns Director at the Mental Health Foundation said: “We are extremely excited about this project with MyDish.co.uk. Healthy eating has a real impact on brain function and mood, and the website provides really useful information in one easy place.”

Carol Savage, the founder of MyDish.co.uk, said: “We feel very strongly that this website will raise awareness about the effect of diet on mental health and help generate valuable funds for the charity.”

Food for Thought – a new book

To celebrate the launch of the website, there is a fantastic new cookbook available. ‘Food for Thought’, priced £14.99, includes recipes for a Wild Mushroom Risotto and fantastic Brain Boosting Smoothie. Proceeds go to the Mental Health Foundation - to order a copy simply go to http://mentalhealthfoundation.mydish.co.uk

Ends

For further information please contact Natalie Burrows at PHA-Media.
Tel: 020 7025 1372
Email: Natalie@pha-media.com

Food facts

• People in the UK eat 59 per cent less fish - the main source of omega 3 fatty acids - than they did 60 years ago.

• Over the last 60 years there has been a 34 per cent decline in UK vegetable consumption with currently only 13 per cent of men and 15 per cent of women now eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day.
   

• Over the last 50 years, significant changes to the way food has been produced and manufactured have not only reduced the amounts of essential fats, vitamins and minerals consumed by the British public, but have also disturbed the balance of nutrients in the foods eaten.

Psychological, social and biological benefits of shared mealtimes

• Mealtimes offer people the opportunity to stop, to stand still psychologically, to reflect on their day and days ahead and to listen to and interact with others.

• Mealtimes are a grounding opportunity, a time when anxieties can be expressed through vocalising them, being listened to and hearing others’ perspectives.

About MyDish.co.uk

MyDish.co.uk is a unique recipe website dedicated to preserving Britain’s best loved and most treasured recipes.
 
Founded by mum of three Carol Savage, MyDish.co.uk believes that the best recipes are not the ones found in the bookshelves of chain stores, but are those ‘personal’ recipes that have been handed down over generations or simply perfected signature dishes.

Lots of celebs have joined the MyDish cause and contributed their recipes including – Mel C, Gabby Logan, Kenny Logan, Chico and Jonathan Ansell and Strictly Come Dancing Finalist Camilla Dallerup.

About the Mental Health Foundation

The Mental Health Foundation (www.mentalhealth.org.uk) uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems. We work to influence policy, including government at the highest levels. And we use our knowledge to raise awareness and to help tackle the stigma attached to mental illness.  We reach millions of people every year through our media work, information booklets and online services. Registered Charity No: (England & Wales) 801130: (Scotland) SC 039714.

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