Eating nuts daily helps reduce depression
Researchers recommended: eat nuts every day to be less depressed.
A new study shows that eating a handful of nuts a day is associated with a 17% lower risk of depression.
According to Mehr, quoted by Medical News, nuts contain plant chemicals that can be related to improving mental health due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Numerous studies show the effect of diet on mood.
Lifestyle changes to help a person manage depression include avoiding alcohol, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly.
The researchers analyzed data from a database of health information from almost half a million UK citizens. They analyzed data from more than 13,000 middle-aged and elderly people with an average age of 58 between 2007 and 2020.
Participants were given questionnaires to measure nut consumption, and during the study, depressive symptoms or use of antidepressants were noted. Those who participated did not report depression at the beginning of the study.
The results showed that middle-aged and older people who consumed 30 grams of nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pistachios, and Brazil nuts) daily were less likely to use antidepressants or depression.
According to researchers, nuts are rich in amino acids that may help regulate mood. These amino acids include arginine, glutamine, serine, and tryptophan, and low levels of these amino acids are associated with depression.
Nuts also contain antioxidants such as vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids.
Researchers say these nutrients prevent inflammation throughout the body, including the brain. Researchers believe that inflammation in the brain is the cause of many diseases such as dementia and depression.
