A diet that includes many fruits, vegetables and cereals and a small amount of red meat (beef, lamb) can prevent the development of depression.

As shown by a study conducted by the staff of the University of Las Palmas and the University of Navarre among 10,094 adults and healthy people, the Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of depression by 30%.

In the course of the experiment, which lasted 4.5 years, the scientists compiled questionnaires and asked the participants, in the role of which graduates of the university spoke, to answer questions in order to determine their adherence to the Mediterranean diet. At the same time, the results showed that more men are exposed to such a diet, former smokers, married and more adult people. It was this group of people who showed great physical activity and vigor.

In 4.5 years of research, the researchers recorded 480 cases of depression: 156 in men and 324 in women. At the same time, fans of the Mediterranean diet were 30% less likely to suffer from such a disease.

According to the lead researcher Miguel Martinez-Gonzalez, the results indicate a certain relationship between the Mediterranean type of nutrition and the mental state of a person. However, as the scientist adds, in order to draw more concrete conclusions, further study of this question is necessary.

"Thirty percent is a great risk reduction, and this can be very important, given that depression is a heavy burden," says the scientist. - We know how the Mediterranean diet helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, the same proteins are formed in people with depression.

Health. Sumy. Ua.