A Healthy Diet Reduces Depression Risk
For years, experts have been studying the link between healthy eating and mental health. Now it is clear that having a healthy diet can have a direct and positive impact on depression. For those who have battled with depression, this new diet information offers helpful clues to reduce symptoms by making small day-to-day changes. Here’s what you really need to know:
What the Research Says
Numerous studies have now been conducted worldwide dating back several decades, including studies conducted by the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in Spain and Harvard University. These studies have looked at the issue from both sides to discover whether depression makes us eat less healthy foods, or whether eating unhealthy foods leads to more depression. They have also examined how diet affects the symptoms of depression among people who have been diagnosed. All of these studies were able to identify common threads among people who ate more fruits and vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, and discover that they are suffering fewer instances of depression. In particular, diets like the Mediterranean Diet and other vegetarian-oriented diets were linked with lower risk of depression.
What It Means for You
Whether you have been formally diagnosed with depression or not, these studies make a strong case for healthier eating. They suggest that you should focus on bringing more colorful fruits and vegetables into your diet, getting rid of processed meats, and avoiding extra sugars. Switching to lean fish like our Blackened Salmon is also a great way to get all of the Omega-3s and other nutrients your brain needs for mental health. You don’t have to become a vegetarian or vegan to stay healthy, but learning to be more aware of where you are getting your nutrients will have a big impact on your overall wellbeing. Meal planning can be a big hassle if you are new to healthy eating, but that doesn’t mean you have to get frustrated. You can subscribe to blogs and meal services that will handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on enjoying life.
With Lean Lifestyle’s healthy living meal plans, it is easier than ever to improve your health and cut your risk of depression. Our meal plans are designed to give you a balanced diet with a focus on healthy and sustainable food sources without processed ingredients. To learn more about our meal plans, visit us online today or check out our FAQs for designing your custom meal plan.
