Mediterranean Diet Linked to Low Levels of Depression

Sharon Moore September 18, 2015

A new study, which involved more than 15,000 people, found that a diet loaded with fruit, vegetables, beans and nuts and olive oil, and has less processed meat, could prevent the onset of depression.

The findings, published in the journal BMC Medicine, suggest that people who eat more of foods high in omega-4 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals were less likely to develop depression.

For the study, the researchers examined the impact of three major diets on mental health: the Pro-vegetarian Dietary Pattern; the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 and the Mediterranean diet. After 10 years, participants were asked to complete surveys on their diet.

A total of 1,550 participants reported a clinical diagnosis of depression or had used antidepressant drugs since the study began.

Researchers saw an association between the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 and a reduction in the risk of depression. But among the three diets, the Mediterranean Diet was linked to the greatest risk reduction.

According to the study investigators, the nutrients and food items such as omega-3 fatty acids, vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts and moderate alcohol intake present in both patterns could be responsible for cutting the risk of depression.

’We wanted to understand what role nutrition plays in mental health, as we believe certain dietary patterns could protect our minds.

’These diets are all associated with physical health benefits and now we find that they could have a positive effect on our mental health.’ says lead author Dr Almudena Sanchez-Villegas from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

’The protective role is ascribed to the foods’ nutritional properties, where nuts, legumes, fruits and vegetables, all sources of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, could reduce the risk of depression.’ she adds.

According to the researchers, even moderate adherence to the Mediterranean diet has been associated to significant reduction in the risk of depression.

Source of this article: A Mediterranean diet fights off depression: Loading up on fruit, veg, nuts and olive oil helps ward off illness