Fruits and veggies can prevent depression

Eating a Mediterranean diet or other healthy dietary pattern, comprising fruit, vegetables, legumes and nuts, is associated with preventing the onset of depression, according to a new study from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in Spain.
The study of 15,093 people suggests depression could be linked with nutrient deficits. The researchers compared three diets; the Mediterranean diet, the Pro-vegetarian Dietary Pattern and Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010. Participants used a scoring system to measure their adherence to the selected diet, i.e the higher the dietary score indicated that the participant was eating a healthier diet.
Food items such as meat and sweets were negatively scored, while nuts, fruits and vegetables were positively scored.
"We wanted to understand what role nutrition plays in mental health, as we believe certain dietary patterns could protect our minds," said lead researcher, Almudena Sanchez-Villegas, from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in Spain.
"These diets are all associated with physical health benefits and now we find that they could have a positive effect on our mental health," said Sanchez-Villegas. "The protective role is ascribed to their nutritional properties, where nuts, legumes, fruits and vegetables could reduce the risk of depression," said Sanchez-Villegas. The study was published in the journal BMC Medicine.

-- Samir--