Researchers from the University of Melbourne found that people who consume large amounts of highly processed foods are more likely to experience psychological stress, a marker of depression. Study published magazine Journal of Affective Disorders.
Depression is associated with many lifestyle measures, including nutrition. The authors wanted to know whether eating ultra-processed foods at an early age (ages 13 to 17) is associated with depression later in life.
The researchers analyzed data from 23,299 participants (13,876 women) aged 27 to 76. All volunteers completed a dietary habits questionnaire at the start of the study between 1990 and 1994. Participants underwent psychological stress assessments between 2003 and 2007, more than a decade later.
The results showed that participants who were more likely to consume highly processed foods were 14% more likely to experience psychological stress. The link persisted even after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, and health-related behaviors.
ancient scientists learnedRed meat consumption can be reduced without harming health.