Mediterranean Diet May Combat Depression

Posted on 2009-10-09 06:00:00 in Depression | Diet |

Previous studies have established the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet in reducing  inflammatory, vascular, and metabolic processes.  Almudena Sanchez-Villegas, from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Spain), and colleagues studied 10,094 initially healthy university graduates, collecting data regarding their dietary habits and following each participant for the onset of clinical depression.   Diets were rated on adherence to the components of the Mediterranean diet, namely:  high ratio of monounsaturated fatty acids (such as those found in olive oil) to saturated fatty acids (found in animal fats like butter and meat); moderate use of alcohol and dairy products; low consumption of meat, and high consumption of legumes, fruits, nuts, cereals, vegetables, and fish.  The researchers found that those who most closely followed the Mediterranean diet were more than 30% less likely to develop depression than those who least adhered to the diet.   Stating that: “Our results suggest a potential protective role of the [Mediterranean Diet] with regard to the prevention of depressive disorders,” the team posits that because the foods characteristic of the Mediterranean Diet may help to improve blood vessel function, fight inflammation, reduce the risk of heart disease, and repair oxygen-related cell damage, those effects may affect the risk of developing depression.

Almudena Sanchez-Villegas, Miguel Delgado-Rodríguez, Alvaro Alonso, Javier Schlatter, Francisca Lahortiga, Lluis Serra Majem, Miguel Angel Martínez-Gonzalez.  “Association of the Mediterranean Dietary Pattern With the Incidence of Depression:  The Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra/University of Navarra Follow-up (SUN) Cohort.”   Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2009;66(10):1090-1098.


Health Headlines

In a lab animal model, booming gut flora spawned by the Western diet is linked to obesity.
International study reaffirms importance of resolving the income gap between the richest and poorest people in developed countries.
Switzerland-based research team assesses the metabolic effects of dark chocolate consumption on energy, gut microbiota, and stress hormones.
UCLA researchers find disability rates in Americans entering their 60s are on the rise, potentially fueled by the overweight/obesity epidemic.
Genetic clues to longevity discovered among a homogenous ethnic population.
Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center (USA) researchers find that a loss of muscle strength raises risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and mild cognitive impairment.
Stroke risk may rise in those with common infectious pathogens such as Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, and herpes simplex viruses.
First study in humans links bisphenol A (BPA) exposure to male sexual function problems.
Simple steps in the community can promote walking among residents.
Study finds that people who are dissatisfied with their workplace bosses not only take more sick leave, but are at increased risk of suffering a heart attack.
Looking for an Anti-aging Doctor?

upcoming Events

U.S. Events
congresses
Las Vegas
fellowships
fellowships
symposium
workshops
  • Advanced Hormone Symposium
    Chicago, IL | Oct. 8-10, 2010

VIDEO: Brain Age Workshop
Dr. Eric Braverman, Director of The Place for Achieving Total Health (PATH Medical), Chairs the Brain Age Workshop taking place Dec. 9, 2009. Held in conjunction with the Winter Session of the 17th Annual World Congress on Anti-Aging Medicine & Regenerative Biomedical Technologies. The Brain Age Workshop features presentations on Brain Mind Assessment via Neuropsychological Analysis, Movement Deficiency Syndrome, Hormones and the Brain, Nootropic Drug Mechanisms, and Traumatic Brain Injury. View this video to learn about Dr. Braverman’s brain-based model of aging and age modulation.

International Events
See all events »