In a new study, researchers found that eating a Mediterranean-type diet may protect against depression in later life.
The research was conducted by a team from Hellenic Open University, Greece.
A Mediterranean-style diet generally is high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts.
It contains olive oil, dairy products, fish and poultry in moderation and limits red meat and sweets.
Previous research has shown that eating a Mediterranean-type diet is good for physical health.
The diet has been linked to longer life and reduced risk of cancer and heart disease. It may also protect against cognitive decline in older people.
In the current study, the team examined members of day-care centers for older people, in East-Attica, Greece.
Among all participants, 64% reported eating the Mediterranean diet moderately and 34% reported eating the diet very frequently.
Nearly 25% of all people had depressive symptoms.
The team found that a diet higher in vegetables and lower in poultry and alcohol was linked to a decreased risk of depression symptoms or a diagnosis of depression later in life.
The researchers suggest that depression in older adults is common and strongly associated with several risk factors.
The findings show that eating a Mediterranean diet may help protect against the development of depression in older age.
It is also possible that people with depression have more difficulty maintaining healthy diets, exercise and other aspects of a healthy lifestyle.
The study’s lead author, Argyropoulos, is, a member of the academic staff of Hellenic Open
The leader of the study is Konstantinos Argyropoulos, M.D., Ph.D., a practicing psychiatrist, and psychotherapist.
The study was presented at the American Psychiatric Association’s 2019 Annual Meeting.
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