Recent studies have shown that
certain foods may increase your risk of depression. In a 2009 study by the Journal of Psychiatry, researchers
divided participants into two groups.
The first group was titled “Whole Food” which included participants that
consumed lots of fresh foods including fruits, vegetables, and fish. The second group was titled “Processed
Food”, where participants’ diets consisted mainly of processed foods, fried
foods, sweets, refined grains, and processed meats. Researchers tracked these participants for the next 5
years. Results showed Processed Food
participants were 58 percent more likely to be “down in the dumps”.
How is this true? Research has derived several ways a
healthy diet can boost your mood.
First, diets high in fruits and veggies are high in folate and
antioxidants. Folate has been
shown to increase communication between brain cells, while antioxidants are
linked to lower rates of depression. Also, fish is high in omega 3 fatty acids which have been
shown to protect again depression by reducing inflammation of the brain. Wow! Just one more reason why taking
the little extra time and effort to eat healthier can benefit you!
Estelle L. Benoit, RD, LDN
Source:
Realage.com