A new study published by a group of Australian researchers in the journal Plos One suggests that a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and fish may help reduce symptoms of depression alleviate. The participants, who were between 17 and 35 years old, scored high on depression, anxiety and stress.
One group was given one for three weekssuch a nutrition planexposed. The researchers accordingly instructed them to avoid processed foods, saturated fats and refined sugars. Members of the control group continued their usual diets.
“With all that is known in nutritional science at this point about the connection between inflammation, mood and food, it is not too early to formulate a solid hypothesis that the Mediterranean diet may reduce symptoms of depression. ” This said Lisa Richards, who is a nutritionist and author of the study.
To ensure adherence to such a diet, the participants received primarily natural products. These were foods such as olive oil, natural butter, nuts, seeds and spices (cinnamon, turmeric). They were also given a regular budget to buy food.
The researchers said they chose this age group because “adolescence and young adulthood are a period of increasedThere is a risk of depression, and these are also critical periods for establishing patterns, such as diet, that carry over into adulthood. “
Health Benefits
After the three-week period, the group that followed a Mediterranean diet experienced a decrease in their depressive states. This happened from the moderate to normal range. They also reported feeling less stressed and anxious. The researchers found that in addition to a better mood, better physical health is also necessary.
“These results are the first to show that young adults with elevated symptoms of depression can participate in and adhere to a diet and that this can reduce symptoms of depression,” the researchers wrote.
“While there are compelling observational findings supporting a link between diet quality and depression, there is still evidence of a causal relationship, particularly in relation to young adults.”
ThisMediterranean style dietintegrates healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids while removing processed foods known to be anti-inflammatory. According to the authorof the studyLisa Richards Omega-3 is known to be anti-inflammatory. This makes it possible to reduce inflammation and its side effects through such a diet.
