Gobbling fast food and bakery treats isn’t just bad for your body – new research suggests it could also be bad for your mood.
Spanish scientists report that people consuming the most fast food and commercial baked goods were 37% more likely to develop depression over 6 years than those consuming the least. The study followed 8,964 people who had never previously been diagnosed with depression or taken antidepressants.
Both fast food, such as hamburgers, hot dogs and pizza, and bakery items such as cakes and croissants were positively associated with a greater likelihood of developing depression.
Moreover, the study found what’s called a dose-response relationship: As fast food and baked goods intake increased, so did the risk of depression. The study wasn’t designed to prove cause and effect, however; as one expert put it, “It’s too early to rebrand the burger and fries as an ‘unhappy meal.'”
True Health Unlimited’s Take:
Learning to avoid certain foods is important to potentially prevent depression. At the same time, learning to eat certain foods that support mood regulation is equally important.
Food sources that provide L-tryptophan such as sesame seeds, egg whites, raw soybeans, bananas, and spirulina may be helpful for mood regulation. Additional food sources that may help support positive mood regulation and alleviate depression are provided in our free Real Food Therapy Guide that comes with free “on Inspired Living” newsletter sign-up.
Ref: – Public Health Nutrition
