By Bhavana KunkalikarJun 27 2023Reviewed by Benedette Cuffari, M.Sc. Healthy eating trends can positively impact mental health; however, it remains unclear whether the South European Atlantic Diet is associated with mental health problems. In a recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry, researchers examine the link between SEAD and the risk of depression.
There are numerous health benefits associated with adherence to SEAD, some of which include a healthier gut microbiota, reduced levels of various cardiovascular risk factors including C-reactive protein, triglycerides, cholesterol, and body mass index , as well as a reduced risk of all-cause mortality.
In addition to collecting data on depressive symptoms and dietary habits, the researchers also obtained demographic information on all study participants. SEAD is associated with a reduced risk of depression Seniors-ENRICA cohorts reported consuming 861 foods, whereas the HAPIEE and Whitehall-II cohorts consumed about 140 and 116 foods, respectively. Dairy products were most frequently consumed within the SEAD diet, followed by legumes, vegetables, potatoes, red meat and pork products, vegetable soup, whole-grain bread, fresh fish, and cod.