Healthy diets reduce the risk of depression

A study from the Hospital del Mar Research Institute, in collaboration with other centres such as the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), reveals that maintaining a healthy diet reduces the risk of suffering from depression. This condition affects 1 in 10 people in Catalonia.

The study followed four diets to analyse their effect on reducing the risk of depression. These were the Mediterranean diet, the hypertension prevention diet, a vegetarian diet, and a diet recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). All of them share common features, such as a high intake of fruits, vegetables, and legumes, and limiting the consumption of red and processed meats. However, there are differences in the emphasis placed on fish, dairy, or sugar.

Over 6 years, more than 3,000 people from the Girona Heart Registry (REGICOR) adopted one of these diets. At the end of the study period, they completed a questionnaire to determine whether they showed symptoms of depression. About 6% (184 people) did, and less than 2% suffered from severe depression. According to the study, any of the diets examined is a factor that reduces the risk of depression. The Mediterranean diet yielded the best results, reducing the risk by 16%.

Health professionals should consider that physical activity and diet not only contribute to physical health but also impact mental health.

Camille Lassale, study author.

This research demonstrates the key role that diet plays in mental health and shows that it can be a complementary element in the treatment of depression. It is important to note that depression has many risk factors, some of which cannot be changed, but factors like diet or others can be modified, and interventions can be considered. The authors emphasize the need for public policies that make balanced, healthy diets accessible to the entire population.