Mediterranean Diet Prevents Onset Of Depression

A long-term study involving 15,093 Spaniards demonstrates that eating a Mediterranean-type diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts – and low in processed meats – prevents the onset of depression. The researchers compared the Mediterranean diet, the Pro-vegetarian Dietary Pattern and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010. Participants used a scoring system to show how strictly they were adhering to their selected diet. The Alternative Healthy Eating diet was associated with the biggest reduction in depression risk, but most of that could be explained by its similarity to the Mediterranean Diet, the researchers said.