Could depression be influenced by our diet? This is the question raised by a recent study that highlights the impact of fruits and vegetables on mental health. Eating enough of these foods could be a solution to better manage depressive symptoms.
Scientists followed 3,483 twins, aged over 45, for 11 years to study the influence of their diet on their psychological well-being. By observing twins, the researchers were able to eliminate certain genetic and environmental biases, ensuring more reliable results.
The results revealed that a low consumption of fruits and vegetables was associated with an increased risk of depression. Conversely, a high intake of these foods reduced depressive symptoms over time. However, these conclusions should be interpreted with caution, as even a "high" intake in the study was below the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The study, conducted by the University of New South Wales (Australia), also found that participants with moderate vegetable consumption—but not fruit consumption—showed improvements in mental health. This suggests that the beneficial effects of fruits and vegetables are linked to specific factors such as vitamins and fiber.
Moreover, while the results are promising, it should be noted that the study does not provide conclusions about the impact of consuming the globally recommended amount, which is five portions per day. The researchers emphasize that the potential impact of a higher intake could be significant, particularly in terms of depression prevention.
The findings also seem to suggest that the gut microbiome plays an important role. It could influence inflammation in the body and brain, two key factors associated with depression. Diet could thus indirectly impact mental health through this interaction with our gut.
However, the study has certain limitations. The researchers had to rely on self-reported depressive symptoms, and participants' physical activity was not taken into account. These elements should be integrated into future studies to refine the results.
For healthcare professionals, these findings provide an additional argument to encourage a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. This simple dietary adjustment could improve the quality of life for patients suffering from depression, especially those over 45.
It is therefore essential to further research this relationship between diet and depression. How might other foods influence our mood? The answers to these questions could lead to new therapeutic approaches.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND