You might want to resist the urge to reach for a half gallon of ice cream when you’re feeling down. New info suggests that eating junk food may actually promote depression.
Nearly 3,500 people from London between the ages of 35 and 55 were asked about their eating habits. They were able to detect diet patterns and divide participants into two groups: processed food consumers and “whole food” consumers. Several years later each group was screened for depression. People who regularly ate processed foods had a slightly higher incidence of depression.
“Results suggest a protective effect of an overall diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fish affords protection against the onset of depressive symptoms 5 years later,” study authors explain, “whereas a diet rich in processed meat, chocolates, sweet desserts, fried food, refined cereals and high-fat dairy products increases vulnerability.”
Most processed foods lack the nutrients needed to maintain a happy, healthy body. Not only does it contribute to weight gain, but it can also decrease mental alertness and inhibit normal brain function. This translates into a slew of mood and behavioral changes.
A steady diet of junk food has other risks to consider, too. Authors note that this sort of diet has also been associated with coronary heart disease and inflammation. As many as one in five Americans is affected by depression, and one in three have some form of heart disease. Limiting junk food consumption may be one way to reduce these risks.
This is the first to focus on the effects of how a person’s overall diet may be related to depression. Although further research is needed to fully understand this relationship, cutting back on Junk Foods can benefit the mind, body and spirit.