Can the Mediterranean Diet Make You Less Depressed?

February 8, 2013 // 6:00 am // By: Aziza Sullivan

Mediterranean-Diet

Apparently, the science of “healthy fats” and something called BDNF, a protein that controls certain brain functions, has been linked to mental disorders like schizophrenia and depression. Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like fish and nuts, staples of the Mediterranean diet, which also includes more fresh fruits and veggies than an American diet, and a surplus of beans, whole grains, and olive oil) can make all those BDNF proteins kinda chill out.

There’s also the idea/theory/fact that eating, say, an apple is better for the mind and body than a Big Mac. So, you know. There’s that.

The study itself, however, seems a little sketchy. 96,000 people monitored their diet over the course of a year. At the end of the year, 20,000 people were randomly selected to fill out a PANAS (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule) survey. Only 9, 255 survey results were included in the final study, and all surveys were self-reported, leaving plenty of room for iffi-ness. Also, and for whatever reason, surveys were given only to black or white non-smoking members of the Advent church living in America, over the age of 35.

The point is if you’re having a rough day, treat yourself to a little lemon pepper fish. You’ll perk right up. Unless you smoke, are non-black or non-white, under 35, and not Adventist. If that’s the case, you’re SOL.

H/T Greatist + PicThx The Berkley Diet

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Aziza Sullivan has always enjoyed three things in excess: food, writing, and sleeping. While the first two are happily combined, the third tends to get in the way, since it turns out the average reader is uninterested in sleep blogs. She also enjoys coffee, probably too much, if there is such a thing.

Guest

I guess you mean the study made in an Adventist community in Loma Linda, California. It is true that one of the reasons why they live longer than other American communities is the healthy lifestyle they lead; they are very involved in the community and in religious services and also do not smoke or drink. But another important reason, maybe the main one, is that they follow a very healthy diet: Many Adventists are vegetarians.

Their lifestyles are quite unique in an America where community has less and less important become and over one third of the population is obese. Smoking and drinking are discouraged by the faith, as is the consumption of caffeine, rich foods, and Certain spices.

The health benefits of eating Mediterranean food Have Been well documented. People Whose diets include a healthy portion of fresh vegetables, olive oil, fish, whole grains and fruits have a lower risk of heart disease and cancer, the two leading causes of death in the United States. They also have a lower risk of diabetes and Alzheimer’s. They are more Able to Control Their weight and cholesterol levels, Tend to be more alert, have Fewer depressive symptoms, and may live longer.
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I guess you mean the study made in an Adventist community in Loma Linda, California. It is true that one of the reasons why they live longer than other American communities is the healthy lifestyle they lead; they are very involved in the community and in religious services and also do not smoke or drink. But another important reason, maybe the main one, is that they follow a very healthy diet: Many Adventists are vegetarians.

Their lifestyles are quite unique in an America where community has become less and less important and over one third of the population is obese.

The health benefits of eating Mediterranean food Have Been well documented. People Whose diets include a healthy portion of fresh vegetables, olive oil, fish, whole grains and fruits have a lower risk of heart disease and cancer, the two leading causes of death in the United States.

They also have a lower risk of diabetes and Alzheimer’s. They are more Able to Control Their weight and cholesterol levels, Tend to be more alert, have Fewer depressive symptoms, and may live longer.

So, with this information, I totally understand the reason why this community lives longer and happier.

Regards,

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