Depression Linked To Eating Processed Foods
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Eating a diet high in processed food has been shown to increase the risk of depression according to a new study from the UK. Personally I've found that I feel more sluggish and down when I eat additive-laden sweets and fried foods, compared with the brightness and mental acuity that eating whole foods brings, so I'm not particularly surprised by the finding. Hopefully it will encourage more people to increase their intake of whole grains, fish and fresh fruits and vegetables.
The study, which tracked the diets of 3,500 British civil servants for five years, shows that those who ate mostly processed foods had a 58% higher risk of depression, and those who consumed more whole foods lowered their risk of future depression. Of course, we are talking about a region known more for deep-fried candy bars and meat pies than fresh produce, but I think the location only serves to highlight the importance of increasing access to fresh, wholesome ingredients to everyone, especially in low income neighborhoods where healthy food can be scarce. Dr Andrew McCulloch, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation, points to the importance of addressing these "food deserts":
We are particularly concerned about those who cannot access fresh produce easily or live in areas where there are a high number of fast food restaurants and takeaways.
We already know that eating large amounts of processed foods can be physically harmful, and knowing that they are mentally damaging as well should will hopefully provide even more motivation to cut down on them. Use the act section below to find wholesome ingredients near you.
I am forced to eat these foods, due to proverty. Why must I be force to stay obese. Because I cannot buy the food I need. When is the FDA going to stop this additivies that are ruining so many people's lives. I want the right because of my health to eat what the doctor say. Instead of the stress causing my depression to soar. I want my old life back...Not one afarid of what I can and cannot eat, I need sodium free. Too many products have so much sodium I swell up. We need to take back on foods!!!
As a Health Educator, there's nothing new here for me. We've known for years, you "are" what you eat. You eat C**p and that's what you turn into, physicaly and mentally.