A new study has found eating a Mediterranean-style diet can reduce the risk of becoming depressed, according to Reuters.
“Individuals who followed the Mediterranean diet most closely had a greater than 30 percent reduction in the risk of depression than whose who had the lowest Mediterranean diet scores,” said the studys authors.
While they admit its not clear why mental health could be affected by what you eat, researchers say elements of the diet may improve blood vessel function, fight inflammation and repair oxygen-related cell damage. These factors could all reduce the chances of developing depression.
The Mediterranean diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish and red wine. Those who follow that regime also reduce their red meat consumption and eliminate saturated and trans-fats in favor of more heart-healthy fats like canola oil or olive oil.
Affecting your mood isnt the only potential benefit of this style of eating. A 2007 U.S. study found the diet to be an important health resource for men and women to lower their risk of death from both heart disease and cancer.