The Mediterranean Diet May Lower Depression Risk In Women 60+, Research Finds

The Mediterranean diet, celebrated for its longevity perks and user-friendly guidelines, keeps racking up new accolades. So when we came across a new study showing yet another benefit of following it, we weren't necessarily surprised. However, what's interesting about this research is that it digs into the specific foods that could be driving most of the diet's effects.

For this new study1 published in the British Journal of Nutrition, researchers asked 798 (325 men and 473 women) participants between the ages of 64 and 97 to complete a food questionnaire. This helped them determine who followed the Mediterranean diet (high in vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats and low in sweets and processed foods) the most closely.

In the end, those who had a higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet were 54.6% less likely to have depression symptoms. When analyzing the data by gender, the researchers found that the association was particularly strong in women. In addition, women who followed a seafood-heavy version of the diet (eating three or more servings of fish a week) had a 62% lower risk of depression.

Researchers have a few guesses about why a seafood-heavy Mediterranean diet might be associated with reduced depression risk in women: For starters, fatty fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids that are closely linked to mental health2. Their ratio of monounsaturated fats to saturated fats may also support a healthy inflammatory response3 in the body, which can pay off for your brain and mood.

The study found that men who ate more nuts and fruits also had an 82% reduction in depressive symptoms, highlighting the potential mental health benefits of a diet high in unprocessed plant foods, regardless of sex.

As nutritional psychiatrist Uma Naidoo, M.D., previously wrote on mindbodygreen, "Inflammation in the gut loops back to the brain, potentially leading to neurocognitive decline4. Consuming fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, especially of different colors (which provide a diverse set of vitamins, polyphenols, and flavonoids) can be a great way to keep your brain sharp as you grow older... Colorful veggies also contain phytonutrients and fiber and positively interact with gut microbes, which reduce inflammation in the body when we feed and nourish them well."

However, the study doesn't explain the reasons behind the sex-based differences in results, indicating a need for further gender-specific research.

This study joins a growing body of research showing that healthy fats, specifically omega-3 fatty acids, are beneficial for whole-body health. In addition to supporting mood, omega-3s have been shown to support memory, joint comfort5, vision, heart health6, and even more areas of concern that become increasingly important with age.