Following a Mediterranean diet ‘could lower risk of depression’ Scientists at University College London looked at the results of 41 studies

People who follow a Mediterranean diet rich in fruit, vegetables, nuts and fish could potentially cut their risk of developing depression by up to a third, research suggests.

Meanwhile those who eat foods high in saturated fat, sugar and processed food may have an increased likelihood, according to scientists at University College London (UCL).

Researchers from UCL’s department of epidemiology and public health analysed data from 41 studies, including four which examined the link between a traditional Mediterranean diet and mental health among 36,556 adults.

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‘Compelling evidence’

They found people who adhered to a Mediterranean diet had a 33 per cent lower risk of developing depression over the next eight to 12 years compared to those whose diets least resembled it.

Five of the studies looked at the the impact of an inflammatory foods diet on mental health in 32,908 adults across the world.

They said their findings showed that a diet low in saturated fat, sugar and processed food was linked with a 24 per cent reduced risk of developing depression over the next five to 12 years.

Their study has been published in journal Molecular Psychiatry.

Lead author Dr Camille Lassale said there was “compelling evidence” of a relationship between the quality of someone’s diet and their mental health.

Plant-rich diet

She said: “This relationship goes beyond the effect of diet on your body size or other aspects of health that can in turn affect your mood.

“We aggregated results from a large number of studies and there is a clear pattern that following a healthier, plant-rich, anti-inflammatory diet can help in the prevention of depression.”

Co-author Tasnime Akbaraly added their results suggested there were now “strong arguments” for diet to be considered as part of the treatment of mental health.

Additional reporting from Press Association.