A version of "You are what you eat" first appeared in the writings of the French gastronome Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin as the phrase, "Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are."

The statement turns out to be especially true if you contend with anxiety and stress.

A new study in the journal Nutrients found that people over age 60 who stick to a Mediterranean diet report far less anxiety and stress than those who eat inflammation-producing foods such as red and processed meats and highly processed foods.

A Mediterranean diet is made up of mostly plant-based foods and healthy fats such as extra-virgin olive oil. Animal protein is a side dish, with fatty fish such as salmon and anchovies favored and red meat avoided.

Especially anxiety-quieting were fruits, nuts, and legumes, along with low consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. An additional finding was fruits and vegetables that delivered a good dose of vitamin C and other inflammation-fighters help people avoid symptoms of depression.

It's estimated that up to 20% of seniors deal with anxiety, and if not addressed it can lead to cognitive impairment, poor physical health, and lower quality of life.

It's often undiagnosed because of the reluctance of older people to discuss it and the difficulty of sorting it out with overlapping chronic conditions. This finding gives you a chance to ease the symptoms yourself.

Increase your intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, and legumes, and enjoy fatty fish and olive oil. As your mood improves, so will your heart health, your cognition, and even your skin quality.