12 Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent Depression

The Truth Behind The News

Susanne Posel
Occupy Corporatism
September 20, 2013

Two separate studies, one out of the UK and another out of Finland, have concluded that person who consume large amounts of junk food, sugary drinks and processed products are displaying behaviors related to depression.

This is compared with those who maintain a healthier diet with more fruits and vegetables who do not succumb to depressive states.

The UK study found that middle-aged and older men were more likely to suffer from depressive mental states when eating less fruits and vegetables. Losing weight also assisted the person in maintaining a positive outlook on life.

Coffee was shown to lower depression levels, but only when used in moderation. High levels of caffine intake had an adverse effect.

Anu Ruusunen, clinical nutritionist and author of another study from the University of Eastern Finland, states that their evidence supports “the hypothesis a healthy diet has potential not only in the warding off of depression, but also in its prevention.”

Information for the study was provided by the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor (KIHD) study which had 2,000 male participants who answered questions about their diet and mental status.

The National Hospital Discharge Register (NHDR) collected the data for the KIHD study.

Males in Finland who consumed more fish, poultry, vegetables, berries, fruits, low fat chesses and whole grains had less incidents of developing depression within the 13 year period that they were monitored.

An unhealthy diet, as defined by the researchers, included “sausages, processed meats, sugar-containing desserts and snacks, sugary drinks, manufactured foods, French rolls and baked or processed potatoes” which causes a measureable prevalence of depressive mental states.

Ruusunen’s team discovered that foods high in folate were shown to improve the mood of the participants.

Folate describes water soluble b-vitamins, a.k.a. B9.

Folic acid refers to oxidized synthetic compound used in dietary supplements and food fortification.

Eating foods rich in folate is the best way to ensure that the body benefits most from this essential element for good health.

Sources of folate include:

• Romaine lettuce
• Spinach
• Asparagus
• Turnip greens
• Mustard greens
• Parsley
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Beets
• Lentils
• Calf and chicken liver

Folate has positive affects such as:

• Supporting red blood cell production
• Preventing anemia
• Promote cell production
• Assisting nerves in proper functionality
• Assist in osteoporosis-related bone fractures
• Prevents dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease

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