Eating a Mediterranean Diet May Stave Off Depression

As many of you know, I'm a big fan of the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fish and includes moderate amounts of olive oil, wine, and low-fat dairy.

I now have another reason to add to my list of why more people should adopt this eating style.

According to a recent Spanish study, people who followed a Mediterranean were less likely to develop depression. And I don't mean simply marginally less likely—we're talking a 42-51% decrease in risk. Dr. Miguel A. Martinez-Gonzaler, a co-author of the study, is calling this a "very strong association."

He goes on, though, to make the distinction that while the Mediterranean diet may be a great help in preventing depression, that patients currently dealing with depression seek the proper psychiatric care that they need.

While this diet regimen has long been prescribed to improve cardiovascular health, perhaps soon doctors could be recommending it to patients at risk for depression.

Read more here.

The Mediterranean Diet Pyramid

Many studies show that the Mediterranean diet, one rich in vegetables, whole grains and unsaturated fat from fish and olive oil, is one of the healthiest around. While clicking around online, I found this great illustration of the Mediterranean diet pyramid. I wish the U.S. would adopt this one!

This pyramid was created by Oldways.