Mediterranean Diet Linked to Lowered Risk of Depression

By Rachel Howell Stockton

Various statistics of late have shown that most Americans are concerned about the economy enough to lose sleep over it.  For those who’ve lost their jobs, anxiety has spilled over into depression.

There’s good news, however, regarding a nutritional remedy for depression.  A study funded by Spain’s medical research agency has found that depression has a formidable foe in the Mediterranean diet.

Health experts across the board have been touting the cardiovascular and endocrinal benefits of the diet, which emphasizes a plethora of fruits, vegetables, olive oil, legumes and various nuts and seeds.  And apparently, we are what we eat, as far as brain chemistry is concerned.

For the study, over 10,000 Spaniards were followed for approximately 4.5 years.  Prior to the study, none of the participants had any significant mental health issues.  The researchers discovered that those who stuck with the Mediterranean diet for the duration of the study were ½ as likely to become depressed as those who abandoned the eating plan.

While there was definitely a correlation between the diet and depression risk, researchers tell the journal Archives of Psychiatry that the relationship of the two may not be one of cause and effect.  Since the diet helps keep the circulatory system functioning at its best, the depression those who didn’t stick with the diet experienced may have been organic, due to cardiovascular issues.

Another important factor, explains lead author Dr. Miguel Angel Martinez-Gonzalez, is that neurons in the body are made up of fat, so ingesting a healthy form of fat is crucial to the quality of the neuron membranes.  He further adds that those who ventured away from the diet did not get some of the nutrients that are essential for optimum health and performance (New York Times).

Suffice it to say that maintaining a “Mediterranean” lifestyle has a positive impact on emotional well being and health.  And, that nut commercial may be right:  when Robert Goulet comes to your office to “mess with your stuff,” a handful of nuts may indeed be just what it takes to chase him away.