WEB DESK: Researchers have established that ultra-processed food is strongly related to the risk of developing depression.
According to a study conducted by NutriNet Brasil, the odds among people having the most intake of ultra-processed foods for developing any depressive symptoms are significantly high: 42 per cent increase as against individuals who had the lowest intake.
Ultra-processed food and mental health
According to the study, industries produce ultra-processed food including soft drinks, packaged snacks, instant noodles, etc. Artificial flavorings, sweeteners, and preservatives are the most common forms of adulteration in these goods. Despite having a high-calorie density, they are low in fiber and vital nutrients and heavy in sugar, fat, and salt.
Previous studies have already associated ultra-processed food intake with health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Some studies have even suggested that ultra-processed foods may cause food addiction, which has similarities with substance addiction.
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The study, which included roughly 16,000 adults in Brazil, prompted participants to track their diets using a web-based tool. The study tracked people for several years, tracking their consumption of ultra-processed meals and analyzing depression symptoms.
It was observed that the people feeding on maximum ultra-processed food had a substantially greater risk of depression, out of which 2373 reported either of their behaviour within the study. These findings suggest a very strong relationship but the investigation does not establish that ultra-processed foods directly cause depression.
Researchers caution that other factors may contribute to this relationship, and further studies are needed to establish a clear cause-and-effect link.
The study was published in the journal Clinical Nutrition and was conducted by a team of researchers including Andre O. Werneck and Euridice M. Steele.
