ecoPharmacist

Could eating processed foods be contributing to depression?

Comfort foods may not be all that comforting, it turns out. Although researchers have looked at the link between certain nutrients and depression, not many have studied the connection between overall diet and depression. Until now. A new study in the The British Journal of Psychiatry found that people who eat more whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables and fish, are less likely to be depressed later on. But those who eat a lot of processed meat, chocolate, sweetened desserts, fried foods, refined cereals and high fat dairy products have a higher risk for depression.

Why?

The researchers suggest several mood-boosting possibilities: the high folate content in certain cruciferous vegetables, leafy greens and legumes; the high omega-3 fatty acid content in fish; the high antioxidant content in fruits; or all of the above (i.e., the foods and nutrients work in combination).