A team of researchers from England and France found that dietary patterns over a five-year period had a significant effect on the risk of feeling depressed. People eating a predominantly natural-foods diet of mostly vegetables, fruits, fish, and whole grains were one-fourth less likely to have depression. Those eating mainly processed foods, including processed meats, refined grains, fried foods, high-fat dairy products, and sweetened desserts were more than 50 percent more likely to feel depressed. The natural-foods diet is richer in vitamins, minerals, and good fats that help maintain healthy moods. (Akbaraly TN, Brunner EJ, Ferrie JE, et al. Dietary pattern and depressive symptoms in middle age. British Journal of Psychiatry, 2009;195:408-413)
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