A new study suggests that a woman’s diet may significantly impact her mental health. Researchers studied the diets of over 15,000 people and found that women who consume large amounts of ultra-processed foods — l ike chips, sugary drinks, and frozen meals — were more likely to experience depression. This was especially true for women between the ages of 18 and 54. The more processed food they ate, the higher their risk.
Conversely, women who followed healthier diets rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and dairy were less likely to experience depression. Men were only affected by diet in their younger years. The study also found that people with more education, kids at home, or good knowledge about nutrition had a lower chance of being depressed.
Experts note that the findings support what is already understood diet can influence mood. While the study cannot confirm that poor diets cause depression, it demonstrates a strong correlation. More research is needed, but these findings suggest that eating better could help protect mental health, especially for women.
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