Plant Foods Lower Depression

Mood and changes are common symptoms of menopause and life after menopause. And studies are starting to show that plant-based foods may help improve depression, maybe even when it’s related to menopause. Chinese researchers aimed to find out if dietary patterns could affect depression, stress, and self-esteem among postmenopausal women. The diets of 906 Chinese women were reviewed and classified as either processed foods (refined grains, fried foods, and sweets), whole plant foods (whole grains, vegetables, and fruits), or animal foods (fish, lean meat, and milk products). The researchers found that women with diets high in plant foods like fruits, vegetables, and soy were 26% less depressed than women with diets high in processed and animal foods. Women with a diet high in processed foods had a 79% increased risk of depression when compared to those eating whole plant foods. Overall, the study found that women who consumed whole plant foods had a reduced risk of depression and stress.

Read the full study here.

Image: Radishes for sale at the farmers market in Ojai, Sharon Palmer, RDN