Main Image Via American Heart Association
People often go on diets for several common reasons: to lose weight, to look physically better, and to improve their wellbeing. However, did you know that the right diets can also give your mental health a boost and prevent depression?
According to a new study by the University College London’s Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, the Mediterranean diet can do just that—it can lower a person’s risk of depression.
A Mediterranean diet is a diet based on traditional foods that people used to eat in countries like Italy and Greece back in 1960. The diet usually consists of fruits, vegetables and fish.
The study, published last month, found a connection between people’s diets and their chances of developing depression. “There is compelling evidence to show that there is a relationship between the quality of your diet and your mental health," said the research associate, Camille Lassale.
Based on the analysis, there are several factors that can cause damage to the brain and our diets is one of it. Those who often feast on processed meats and alcohol—read: food high in inflammatory substances—are more likely to have depressive outcomes.
A Mediterranean diet however, can reportedly counter it. It consists of polyunsaturated fatty acids, B vitamins, zinc and magnesium, all of which have positive effects on our brain function, hence decreasing the chances of depression.
A study that was curated by CNN also showed that a Mediterranean diet can help with the prevention of dementia in older adults, lowering risk of developing the condition by a third.
Info via CNN