Once again my dear Mediterranean diet in on the good side of the news. Today it’s about reducing depression. I will take any benefits of eating non-processed, fresh food.
This time a team of Spanish scientists looked at adherence to the Mediterranean diet and its effect on reducing incidence of depression. Simply put, after 4.4 years people who adhered most closely to the Mediterranean diet had more than a 30% reduction in their risk of depression. Researchers suspect the protective effect may come from the omega-3 fats that are so predominant in this particular style of eating. But they admit that many “components of the diet may improve blood vessel function, fight inflammation, reduce risk for heart disease and repair oxygen related cell damage”, which all may contribute to developing depression. I also agree with them that we cannot attribute all the benefits of the Mediterranean diet to a single food or nutrient; as the benefits probably come from the synergy between all nutrients provided by a healthy diet, where most of the foods are unprocessed and where people have a different way of living then we have here in America.
If we look at the Mediterranean food pyramid walking, water and wine are included as well. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the way of life. It is totally different. People take time to enjoy the little pleasures of life rather than trying to acquire more and more “stuff” that may or may not make them happier. That’s why I like movies like “A Good Year” and “Under the Tuscan Sun”. They make me more relaxed just watching them. I don’t know about you, but taking a walk in a neighborhood here is not as enticing as taking one in an Italian or Provencal town. Mind you, I can go for a walk on the beach everyday if I wanted to.
That’s it! I’ll do that and I’m sure that the ocean breeze and the super vitamin D from the sun are going to uplift my spirits as much as a walk on the Mediterranean shore. But think about this…is it the food, the way of life or the fact that people are outside a lot and absorb so much of the vitamin D? For now, I’ll assume it’s the combination of all these things that makes them (and me) healthier and happier.
- Josée
More benefits of the Mediterranean diet:
Longer Life Linked To Foods In Mediterranean Diet
Strict Mediterranean Diet Can Help Reduce Deaths From Major Chronic Diseases
Mediterranean Diet Halves Risk OF Progressive Lung Disease
Labels: Diet, healthy tips, Josee, Mediterranean Diet
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I think I need to test this out in Hawaii right now! :-)