Observatory Fact: A new study has shown that a healthy diet may help adults with depression improve their psychological state.
Among the guidelines are to increase the intake of vegetables to 5 servings per day, fruits to 2 or 3 servings per day, whole grains to 3 servings per day, lean protein to 3 servings per day, unsweetened dairy products to 3 servings per day and fish to 3 servings per week. According to “Sky News”
The program also recommended daily consumption of three tablespoons of nuts and seeds, two tablespoons of olive oil, and one teaspoon of turmeric and cinnamon.
Participants were also advised to reduce carbohydrates, sugars, fatty or processed meats, and soft drinks.
The study indicated that following 3 weeks, average depression scores fell to the normal range in the diet-change group, while it remained high or severe in the habitual diet group.
And researchers reported in the journal (PLOS ONE) that those who continued eating healthy foods for 3 months, continued to feel better.
“This method is more cost-effective than other treatments, and it is one that individuals themselves can control,” said Heather Frances, who led the research and is from Macquarie University Sydney.
