 "The membranes of our neurons are composed of fat, so the quality of fat that you are eating definitely has an influence on the quality of the neuron membranes, and the body's synthesis of neurotransmitters is dependent on the vitamins you're eating."
We've heard of physical benefits related to eating foods listed on Mediterranean diets; such as nuts, fruits and legumes. Now, a study has found it may affect our disposition as well.
The nearly four and a half year study on more than 10,000 Spaniards found that "those who reported eating a healthy Mediterranean diet at the beginning of the study were about half as likely to develop depression than those who said they did not stick to the diet," said a NY Times report. None of the participants claimed to have depression prior to starting. (Photo: TopNews.in)
The research was performed by the Spanish government's Instituto de Salud Carlos III, and while it did not prove a "cause and effect" conclusion, it did reveal an "association" between the healthy Mediterranean diet and a lower risk of depression.
Dr. Martinez-Gonzalez noted, "The membranes of our neurons are composed of fat, so the quality of fat that you are eating definitely has an influence on the quality of the neuron membranes, and the body's synthesis of neurotransmitters is dependent on the vitamins you're eating. We think those with lowest adherence to the Mediterranean dietary plan have a deficiency of essential nutrients."
The American Heart Association says this about a Mediterranean Diet:
There's no one "Mediterranean" diet. At least 16 countries border the Mediterranean Sea. Diets vary between these countries and also between regions within a country. Many differences in culture, ethnic background, religion, economy and agricultural production result in different diets. But the common Mediterranean dietary pattern has these characteristics:
- high consumption of fruits, vegetables, bread and other cereals, potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds
- olive oil is an important monounsaturated fat source
- dairy products, fish and poultry are consumed in low to moderate amounts, and little red meat is eaten
- eggs are consumed zero to four times a week
- wine is consumed in low to moderate amounts
To read the full NY Times report, follow the source link provided.
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Roni Caryn Rabin – NY Times http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/13/health/research/13nutrition.html?_r=2&ref=health?wpisrc=newsletter
Used by permission www.breakingchristiannews.com
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