Aussie study finds Mediterranean diet can fight against depression

SYDNEY: The Mediterranean diet is well known for its physical health benefits and it is now being hailed as the latest weapon in tackling mental health problems.

Researchers at Deakin University have found the diet can help those suffering from severe depression, ABC News reported.

They put dozens of patients with major depressive disorders on a Mediterranean- style diet rich in protein, legumes, fresh fruit and vegetables, olive oil and nuts.

After 12 weeks of healthy eating, researchers said one third of the participants reported a significant improvement in their mood and symptoms.

The results of the study were published today in the international journal ‘ BMC Medicine’.

Deakin University’s Food and Mood Centre director Professor Felice Jacka said the Mediterranean diet had been credited with improving cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of diabetes and increasing longevity.

“We already know that diet has a very potent impact on the biological aspects of our body that affect depression risks,” she said.

“The immune system, brain plasticity, and gut microbiota seem to be central not just to our physical health, but also our mental health. And diet, of course, is the main factor that affects the gut microbiota.

Jacka randomly selected 31 participants to embrace the Mediterranean diet and reduce their intake of sweets, refined cereals, fried food and sugary drinks.