Could a diet high in refined carbohydrates increase the risk of depression in postmenopausal women?

New findings published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that more highly refined carbohydrates triggered a hormonal response in the body that lowered blood sugar that could potentially have an effect on fatigue, mood or other symptoms of depression. As the consumption of carbohydrates typically increases blood sugar levels to varying degrees, more highly refined carbohydrates increases the score on the glycemic index (GI) scale, which can range from 0-100.

In this particular study, researchers reviewed data that had been collected between 1994 and 1998 belonging to the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study. The data consisted of 70,000 involved in the study.

However, dietary fiber, vegetables, whole grains and vegetables were also associated with a decreased risk of depression.

Of course, further studies are necessary. However, researchers noted that dietary changes could potentially aid in the treatment of depression.

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