Mental health: These foods increase the risk of depression, according to science

Your food choices can affect your mood and emotional balance. A recent study conducted by Inserm highlighted the relationship between regular consumption of fried foods and an increased risk of depression. We’ve compiled a list of 5 foods that can cause depression or worsen your depression symptoms!

First, what is the relationship between depression and diet?

Team ofInsrm They published an article on their website, explaining the relationship between diet and depressive episodes. Moreover, we all know that a diet rich in processed products, fried foods, sugars, etc. It can cause serious diseases such as obesity, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease.

Other scientific studies have proven that a healthy diet (fruits, vegetables, fish, grains, etc.) is associated with a 35% lower risk of depression.

Inserm scientists used data from the group Whitehall IIWhich included more than 4,000 British participants aged between 35 and 55 years. The researchers looked at the proportion of ultra-processed foods in each participant’s daily intake. The results obtained were related to eating behavior and the risk of developing depressive symptoms.

What are the five foods that are bad for your mental health?

• Coffee and energy drinks

When you’re going through a tough time or when you’re feeling upset, you often need to make yourself a cup of coffee to calm down! But coffee (or even energy drinks) doesn’t really give you energy. On the contrary, people who consume a lot of energy or exciting drinks are more at risk of developing depression.

Eating too many sweets can cause stress and anxiety and lead to depression, because eating too much sugar can disrupt cortisol levels: the stress hormone.

A diet high in saturated fat not only leads to obesity and diabetes, but it also causes depressive and anxious behaviors.

Regular alcohol consumption can make depression worse. It is recommended not to exceed 10 cups per week.

Diets high in gluten (starchy foods, pasta, etc.) can cause depression in people with gluten intolerance, according to researchers at Pennsylvania State University.